Rabbit (Kennedy Ombima) is now a household name in the hiphop industry in Kenya and across the continent. Back in February 2011, he released 'King: The Mixtape' when it became apparent that he was destined for the top in this game. This was after he had a number of chart topping tracks such as 'Mtu Hivi Hivi','Kwa Jam Nakam' and 'Staki Kukuona'. I managed to come across this mixtape and i must say Rabbit did a splendid job on this one. Below is my take on the various tracks that can be found on this mixtape and why i feel he is indeed 'king'.
1. Intro (2:26)
Rabbit introduces us to this mixtape with a poetic piece presented as a spoken word in which he rhymes about his journey to get into the music industry. He displays his poetic side in this piece, being one of his other artistic talent. A great intro to set the mood right for what he has to offer in the latter stages of the mixtape.
2. Hatari (3:05)
"Mi ndio king wa Nairobi", thats the declaration Rabbit makes on this track as he steps out through this hobby of his to prove to the world why he says so. Usher's 'Hot Tottie' provides the beats to this track.
3. Simba ft Jorma of Lonely Island (1:52)
Rabbit may have been the new kid on block back then but he came out to show his fans that he is able to attract collaborations with other artistes from around the world. Great collabo it is with the multi talented Jorma Taccone of the Lonely Island from New York.
4. Mungu Niaje (2:56)
This track is basically set as a prayer and he takes this opportunity to thank God for his life, talent and all the blessings which he has received from Him. Rabbit also remembers to ask for forgiveness for all the times he has gone wrong. The chorus for this track borrows from the first four lines of the Lord's Prayer. Great beats to this track picked from 'Kiss my Ass' by Jadakiss, but quite an irony considering the message given out by Rabbit on his track.
5. Successful (3:43)
We all want success in our lives as much as there are challenges that do come our way as well as new problems coming with success. In light of these, Rabbit raps about how he has to tread carefully and cautiously in his pursuit for success. Drake's track 'Successful' provides the beats and chorus for this song.
6. Soko ft Oddinary (3:20)
The sequencing of the bars between the two artistes in an alternating manner after every couple of bars is quite fascinatting. On this track these artistes rap about the everyday happenings in the music industry mostly on the hiphop side and how they have come to conquer the market.
7. Ufalme (2:15)
Rabbit comes out to show the world why he considers himself as 'King', which as he explains is through his diversity as a poet, musician and storyteller.
8. Tumaini ft Karolle (4:12)
This track encourages us to never give up but follow our dreams. It also gives us hope of success and the ability to overcome problems. A very positive message is brought out on this track by Rabbit and the great vocals of Karolle on the chorus makes it more appealing to listen to.
9. Ni Vipi ft Jinx and Fant (4:27)
A dancehall feel is brought out on this track which is quite an entertaining collaboration and can easily pass as a party anthem. The artistes rap about the fun side of doing music with quite some good use of witty rhymes, wordplay and metaphors that make the track an interesting listen.
10. Wewe ni Special (3:16)
This is a track for the ladys in which Rabbit raps about how special the lady is to him, with lots of compliments to the woman whom he seems to be in love with. A good break it is from the previous hard hitting tracks. This track was produced over the beats of "Special" by Musiq Soulchild.
11. Mtu Hivi Hivi (3:57)
From the whole mixtape this must be the most popular track as it played on major radio stations and its video shown on almost all music tv show. It was a big hit back then and i guess no much analysis can be given on this one. All i can say, this was a a good one that helped bring out Rabbit more into the limelight of this industry.
12. Skit (Koshi) (3:06)
Rabbit meets a friend on the streets and they start chatting about one of his close friends and big fan whom they call Koshi. He narrates a story of how Koshi was to catch a rat that would be used in the making of the "Mtu Hivi Hivi" video. It is very hilarious.
13. Kam na Kunaenda ft Oddinary (3:31)
These artistes rap about how they have come into the scene and want to take over the industry by storm. They talk of how low quality stuff has flooded the industry and state that they are here to change all that.
14. Mtaani (1:43)
Rabbit tells us about life in the ghetto and how it is a struggle for those living in such places but despite such challenges and hardships, he brings out a message of hope that one day things will be okay. The beats of Ace Hood's "Guns High" came in handy in the making of this track.
15. Always made it (2:05)
Rabbit takes time to thank God for enabling him accomplish so much that he has always wanted to do in his life and also tells us about how he plans to achieve his future dreams. The track is done over the beat of a track with a similar title by Camron featuring Vado.
16. Ugonjwa ft Oddinary (2:30)
Most rappers like to show off how good they are in what they do and this was an opportunity presented to Rabbit and Oddinary to do exactly that. The beats used on this track are from the song "I'm Ill" by Red Cafe featuring Fabolous. The mixtape signs out on that note with Rabbit getting to blow his own trumpet and he does it undoubtedly well.
Overally, my favorite tracks include Tumaini, Mungu Niaje and Successful. Keep it up King Kaka, you did a good job on this one and i would recomend it to anyone who loves good music. Its a mixtape that you can play over and over again without getting bored.
