roar taylor’s “kostner” carries the DNA of hip-hop

Hip-hop will always be more than just empty flexes about money, power, and grind. roar taylor‘s latest album “kostner” proves that point. Beneath the surface lies ambition, survival, and above all, authenticity — the DNA of the culture itself.

kostner is a 10-part project from Chicago-based hip-hop artist roar taylor. This album has been in the works for a year, structuring melodic, multi-syllabic rhymes, and well-thought out concepts. And once you press play, you’ll definitely witness the intricacy from the details and layers of each track.

If you’re thinking about how a hip-hop record should begin, roar taylor shows you how exactly it is done with lottery pick. You’ll get no hesitation, no filler, no attempt to tone down its jagged edges. The bass and sharp snares drop like a triumphant run on the field, mirroring ambition, grind, and status.

You’ll immediately know why mike in retrograde is the lead single in this album. You’ll be welcomed by captivating, lush vocal echoes along with booming beats that are easy to ears. It has that old-school kick and groovy bounce into it, while roar taylor’s verses glide above the mix. The line, “we grew up in the hustle, consciously we wanted more,” feels less like a lyric and more like a mantra. With PaperWork as a featured artist, they offer a relatable, yet fresh take on present-day hardships without over romanticizing the struggle.

what dreams may come feels like hip-hop when you’re on cloud nine. You’ll get no punch but a breath of peace from the stripped down beats and dreamy ambiance while keeping that effortless vibey pulse in such a short time. At its core, this rings of found peace and solace with someone.

nod ya head (the processional) featuring Major and PaperWork isn’t something you’d expect to reach the cut on a hip-hop album, but you’ll be glad it did. What you’ll get is very personal, probably the most soulful among the whole tracks. It’s grief and longing, delivered with punch and a reminder to love your people.

kostner proves its place as the title track with dusty beats and irresistible rhythm. The raps flow with grit, locking in tight with the mix. It’s introspective and catchy without empty, unnecessary flexes. we get to it calls for movement with roar taylor‘s raps that’s low and almost hushed, while channeling that Neptunes-like beats from the 2000s.

This album isn’t something you can contain in a few words. roar taylor’s range takes over each track, stretching from punchy, grit-soaked raps to raw, vulnerable lyricism. While others dwell on polished sounds, empty bravados, or lowkey boasts to create impact, he charges towards ambition, triumph, grief, and struggles. Proving that the depth is where this album gets the spirit.

Aside from his notable songwriting, his sound isn’t something you’d hear everyday; there’s classic and familiar kick into it without losing his sense of musical style and identity. One moment you’’’ be wrapped in dreamy haze, then next you’ll be nodding your head with driving, punchy beats that stay and stick.

Overall, whether you’re listening alone or in a spontaneous drive with friends, play roar taylor’s kostner if you want hip-hop at its best.