Lights Fantastic - Adian Coker
Up-and-coming UK rapper/producer Adian Coker releases his Lights Fantastic mixtape today in association with Karmaloop on his own indie label Bloom in June. The free download encompasses 9 tracks combing classic styled bangers, modern hits and contemporary R&B with the help of female vocalists. The project began two years ago with the creation of the opening track “Angels & Demons,” and Coker was still perfecting every aspect until it was mastered. The result is a solid introduction to an artist playing the roles of lyricist, producer and instrumentalist.
He explains, “Throughout the process, I was in a space where I was really hungry and wanting to make it, but I was looking at the positive and negative aspects of fame and fortune. I think that is reflected in the lyrics and the overall tone of the tape. It's pretty melancholy.” He adds, “I'm just pleased to finally be releasing it and getting feedback from people on a full body of work.”
Coker has caught the attention of U.S. audiences including such outlets as XXL, Vibe, HipHopDX and DJBooth.net with advance leaks and videos. Quite a feat since successful UK rap acts crossing over the pond are few and far between. Though, his lyrics and flow are more akin to his American counterparts.
He states, “It's incredible to have support from the States. It is where the art form originated, and the hip-hop lifestyle is a big part of their culture. I'm looking forward to American artists hearing it and seeing the kind of reaction I get from them too.” Coker hopes to get to the U.S. soon to perform live. “The audiences over there will be different, and being from the UK, I'm sure there'll be a bit of skepticism. I'm looking forward to winning them over.” If Lights Fantastic is any indication, he definitely will.
For the 24 year old Sierra Leone born artist, this release has been a long time coming. Coker moved to the UK aged four, and as an enthusiastic seven year old, he first started to learn classical guitar followed by keys and drums. In high school, he was given the opportunity to learn the art of studio recording. As the years wound down, his talents soon got him noticed while doing sessions at Jutland Studios in South London. The studio manager gave him a job producing for urban acts while he built up a considerable body of his own music. He was also notching up an English degree from Goldsmiths University in London.
Adian Coker is prepared to be the face of the rap game’s impact on the globe, and this is just the beginning of what is sure to be a storied career.
Twitter: @AdianCoker
Facebook: www.facebook.com/adiancoker
YouTube: www.youtube.com/AdianCoker
Lights Fantastic - Adian CokerLights Fantastic - Adian Coker |
