57. Album Review of Golfcove by Uta K
Originally published on October 28th, 2024
About the Artist
When I was growing up, I was an egotistical person. It shames me to say that I was a little full of myself. I knew I was attractive. I knew I was athletic. I knew I was smart. I knew I was artistic. I took many of the opportunities I had to exploit those attributes. If opportunities didn’t present themselves, I would make them. Go ahead, you can say it: I was a douche.
The thing is, I wasn’t really those things. I hadn’t learned to be honest with myself and I sought validation from others because I was self-conscious about who I was. I hadn’t begun to unpack the cultural and social traumas I had experienced. I found out that being popular was so much better than being bullied so, instead of confronting that, I ran to the “feel good” things. I bottled up all of the elements of my life that made me unique and I became what I thought the world wanted me to be.
The truth is, a lot of people do this. Young people are still trying to figure it out. That’s why I was so surprised to learn about Uta K. He is a young man. Yet, he is unafraid to be intimate about his anxieties. His fears. His trauma; and he’s experienced real trauma. He is able to talk about his goals and, in the same breath, evaluate the reality of how achievable they are. All to the resounding affirmation that none of things will stop him from doing what he loves to do and keeping it real when he does it.
From his own mouth, Uta K says, “he’s not your every day rapper. In fact, he’s quite different from newer artists today.” (Spotify bio) He began his career as a recording artist in 2021, but as quickly as it began, he stopped after the tragic death of his sister. It would be two years before he would find his voice again. After encouragement from another artist from Central Florida, kingkoolin, Uta K decided to tackle the feat of recording what would be his debut album.
About the Album
Golfcove Is the debut album of Florida-based Hip Hop Artist, Uta K. It released on October 1st, 2024. With a runtime of approximately 35 minutes, the album features 10 tracks. Along with Uta K, the album also features performances by kingkoolin and Jodi Mav. Golfcove is rap with elements of automated singing performance using tuning effects, supported by samples and digitally produced instrumental and percussion performances.
About the Music
I love the strong introduction to Golfcove with the track, Change. In my opinion, this might be the strongest track on the record. Uta K has a very similar tone in his voice to Ludacris, even utilizing similar cadences in some of the bars. Uta K does use a more dynamic rhythmical delivery thank Ludacris.
In No Sleep, Uta K showcases a singing part for the chorus which brings an interesting element to the song, musically. It isn’t modified with tuning. It puts an organic and emotional element to the music.
In Goya, both Uta K and kingkoolin showcase a variety of elements that show they know what they’re doing with the production side of the recording process. The backing vocals being panned over and the fade in with the string part, as well as the subtle introduction to a xylophone or bell part. The singing parts are intricately woven into the entire track to make it the most interesting song, production-wise.
Just as strong as the introduction, Golfcove closes in epic fashion, with the song 1999. Another song that is impressively produced. This song is particularly compelling because Uta K is clearly emotionally invested in the content within the track (as it turns out, this song is about his sister who is passed). Uta K delivers both spoken word and singing performances, and the emotional content drives the song home.
Overall, the musicality of this album is very impressive. There are a couple of very subtle moments where the rhythm and cadence sound a little forced but that could be a personal preference that might go unnoticed by any other listener. It doesn’t distract from the album either. The performance is fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Ok. I love this album. And here is why:
It is a common stigma of independent hip hop artists, that they feel they have to stay relevant and, in doing so, they end up trend-chasing. This can sometimes come off as cringy.
Uta K does NONE of that and delivers something that is 100% true to his authentic self. He is shamelessly honest, he is vulnerable. He proudly reveals the kinks in his armor and it just makes his performance stronger.
I believe this about every artist I review (probably the reason I choose to review them) but I believe Uta K has a real shot at crossing over into mainstream hip hop. I think he has all the tools. I think if he were developed under the right producers and his demo found the right desk, he could easily cross over.
In order to do that, Uta K will need to stay true to who he authentically is, and I don’t see that being a problem for him. I mentioned my misguided ego from my youth because of this. In my you, my ego misguided me. If this is an issue with Uta K, it doesn’t come through in his music. There is a resonating sincerity within his music and his lyrics that are going to have a meaningful impact with anyone who listens to his music and have experienced loss. I hope this album was therapeutic for Uta K. If anything, I will say I truly admire the connection you conveyed with your sister. It is a tragic element to the music and it is deeply compelling and compassionate.
Thank you so much man! You put a lot of time and thought into this. This review was awesome! You a real one bro.
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