Inside The Credits 034: Kxmel
Kxmel’s Effervescent French Fog
Bawo is one of the most promising voices in UK rap. He is definitely in the Dave, Knucks, and Sainte realm, but what separates him is a smokey smoothness propelled by beats that are simultaneously shimmery and gloomy. His most recent single alongside rapper Jordy, “Magnifique,” is a quintessential example of his proficiency. The flows are as tight as they are fluid and the instrumental exudes a Paris evening golden glow. The track’s French title is no coincidence as it is produced by one of Bawo’s go-to beat makers, Kxmel.
Diving back through the credits made me realize Kxmel is also responsible for my all time favorite Bawo record, “Turn & Face.” The track’s Baltimore/Jersey club rhythms blended with misty synths and trampoline percussive punches allowed for Bawo to not only rap like Thierry Henry weaves through defenders, but also croon like Sampha in his deeper register. Bawo and Kxmel, I found on my search, have seven total tracks together which all hinge on their synergy within a prism of glossy melancholy. Kxmel makes beats that sound like how a gray fall day in Paris feels and Bawo, hailing from West London, knows all too well the blend of glitz and murkiness.
Kxmel’s entire discography contains a collage of varying hip hop instrumentals with this effervescent foggy weather quality. He began producing in 2020 and dropped his first record right before the world shut down. It’s almost as if his style directly reflects the anticipation of a world leaning towards a dreary transition. “Hold Up” by Danny Sanchez and Ashbeck is pure minor piano boom bap derived from a back alley in the French capital city.
After slightly brighter, yet still sullen, tracks with Ashbeck, Kxmel found his essential musical muse in Bawo. Their August 2020 single “Brasileiro” feat. Danny Sanchez sounds equal parts stormy weather premier league match and bright summer Brazil national team practice where Martinelli crosses a perfect ball to Neymar for a header. The song is transfixing like watching professionals find their true rhythm.
From then on it felt like Kxmel knew where he could make the most impact, centering on foggy gloom but allowing space for sunlight to creep in. He would work with UK and French spitters giving them sonic space to ride the line between dismal and glittering.
Listening to a playlist of Kxmel’s work is perfect for when you have a day where you need to sink into a darker headspace a bit before you come out on the other side feeling revived and positive. We all need these days to give ourselves permission to sulk. Music can be an antidote in its own unique way. Kxmel’s beats don’t shame you for not being gung ho about life, but instead acknowledge the humanity of that mindstate and provide you with a path to get back on your bully.
Inside The Credits 034: Kxmel- The Playlists