Kinji00, a sovereign emcee hailing from the Z generation, orchestrates a hushed upswing in hip-hop culture.
Kinji00, the Quebec Rapper Causing a Stir
At just 17, Kinji00, a rising rap star, is making waves in the French-English speaking world of Gatineau with his unique blend of cultural references, humor, and a call for a "silent revolution." His older brother, Lb66, supports him as they prepare to release their mixtape "Until next time" on June 24.
A few years ago, Kinji00 and Lb66 (whose real name is Leo) were merely two brothers goofing around in their basement, making music. Today, they've captured the hearts of Quebec's youth and beyond, thanks to their catchy tunes and clever use of internet slang and references.
The breakthrough moment came when YouTuber Mounir Kaddouri, also known as "Mayor of Laval," showcased their music. Since then, their tracks on Spotify have garnered thousands of plays, and their TikTok videos have been watched by hundreds of thousands of viewers.
The Allure of Niche Culture
Kinji00's music is heavily influenced by niche cultures such as Japanese anime, digicore music, and internet humor that might seem foreign to the uninitiated. However, for those who grew up glued to screens, his songs offer a fresh perspective on the Quebec rap scene.
Despite being rooted in a predominantly Quebecois musical universe, Kinji00 seeks to unite and bridge generations. His music features audio excerpts from famous Quebec nationalist figures like René Lévesque and Jacques Parizeau, and visuals inspired by significant socio-political events in Quebec's history. These nods to the past demonstrate the duo's deep understanding of their cultural heritage.
A Diverse Vision of Quebec Identity
Kinji00 and Lb66 were born to a Portuguese mother and a Quebecois father, which adds a unique cultural blend to their music. They proudly spit Lusophone rhymes in their debut mixtape, singing not just in French, but also in Portuguese.
Their intercultural perspective extends to their embrace of franglais, a street jargon popular in Gatineau and closely associated with hip-hop culture. They argue that their approach to language is inclusive and accessible, allowing individuals from any background to become part of the movement.
On the Rise
Recent collaborations with notable Quebec rappers like Rowjay and Aswell have propelled Kinji00 to new heights. He was invited to open for Rowjay at Club Soda and perform with Aswell at the Santa Teresa festival. This summer, Kinji00 plans to showcase his talent at Francofolies, Mural festival, and the Fête nationale du Québec.
Some speculate that Kinji00 might soon align himself with a sovereignist party, but the rapper insists that he remains non-partisan, choosing to unite the people regardless of their political affiliations.
Further Reading
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- The unique blend of cultural references in Kinji00's music, including niche cultures like Japanese anime and digicore music, has caught the attention of not only Quebec's youth but also those beyond, as they offer a fresh perspective on the Quebec rap scene.
- The general news about the potential alignment of Kinji00 with a sovereignist party, if it were to happen, could have significant implications for Quebec's ongoing policy-and-legislation discussions related to war-and-conflicts and politics.
- While Kinji00 continues to make headlines in the entertainment world with his rise to stardom, his music and performances in sports events, like the Fête nationale du Québec and various music festivals, are also gaining momentum.
- As Kinji00 and Lb66's popularity grows, their music has become more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a call for unity, taking stands on socio-political issues and showcasing the diversity of Quebec culture through the use of multiple languages and cultural references.
