Emiway Bantai, one of the most popular and controversial rap artists in India, has recently dropped his new album King Of The Streets (KOTS). The album consists of 17 tracks, spanning various themes, styles and collaborations. But does it live up to the hype and expectations? Here is my review of KOTS, based on my personal opinions and some online sources.
What is KOTS?
KOTS is Emiway's third studio album, following Malum Hai Na (2021) and 8 Saal (2022). The album was released on June 9, 2023, under his own label Bantai Records. The album features guest appearances from Young Galib and V Break, who are both newcomers to the Indian rap scene. The album also features production from various producers, such as Flamboy, MEMAX, Pendo46 and others.
The album title KOTS stands for King Of The Streets, a self-proclaimed title Emiway has given himself. He claims that he is the king of the streets because he represents the voice of the common people and the underground rap culture. He also claims that he is the king of Indian hip hop, which is a bold and controversial statement that he backs up with a 7-minute-long diss track aimed at various rap artists in the scene.
The Good
The album showcases Emiway's versatility and growth as an artist. He experiments with different genres, languages and flows, ranging from trap to reggae to desi hip hop. He also collaborates with some new and upcoming artists like Young Galib and V Break, who add their own flavour to the songs. Some of the standout tracks in this regard are "Jhakas", "Survive" and "Kya Bolti Public".
The album has some catchy and memorable hooks, such as "Chhod Dala", "Jhakas", "Kya Bolti Public" and "Classy Chapri". These songs are likely to become popular among the masses and the fans. They also have witty and humorous lyrics that showcase Emiway's personality and charisma. Some of the catchy lines in these songs are:
- "Chhod dala sab ko peeche maine chhod dala" (I left everyone behind, I left them behind)
- "Jhakas hai tu jhakas hai tu jhakas hai tu" (You are awesome, you are awesome, you are awesome)
- "Kya bolti public? Public bole bantai" (What does the public say? The public says Bantai)
- "Classy chapri classy chapri classy chapri" (Classy slumdog, classy slumdog, classy slumdog)
The album has some introspective and emotional tracks, such as "Meherbani", "Kya Din The Woh" and "Survive". These songs reveal Emiway's personal struggles, gratitude and motivation. They also showcase his singing skills and melodic sense. Some of the touching lines in these songs are:
- "Meherbani teri meherbani jo tune mujhe diya hai zindagi" (Your kindness, your kindness that you gave me life)
- "Kya din the woh jab hum saath mein rehte the" (What days were those when we used to live together)
- "Survive karna hai toh fight karna hai" (If you want to survive, you have to fight)
The album has some hard-hitting and aggressive tracks, such as "KOTS (Intro)", "Beta Karta Rap", "Scene Change" and "King Of Indian Hip Hop". These songs display Emiway's confidence, attitude and rap skills. They also address some of the controversies and criticisms that he has faced in the past. Some of the fiery lines in these songs are:
- "Main hoon king of the streets aur main hoon king of Indian hip hop" (I am the king of the streets and I am the king of Indian hip hop)
- "Beta karta rap beta karta rap beta karta rap mujhe papa kehta hai" (Son does rap son does rap son does rap he calls me daddy)
- "Scene change kar diya maine scene change kar diya maine scene change kar diya maine" (I changed the scene I changed the scene I changed the scene)
- "Tum logon ko lagta hai ki main diss nahi karta? Main diss nahi karta main roast karta hoon" (You guys think that I don't diss? I don't diss I roast)
The Bad
The album lacks coherence and consistency. Some of the tracks feel disjointed and out of place in the overall theme of the album. For example, "Roots" is a reggae song that does not fit well with the rest of the album. Similarly, "Rule no. 123" is a motivational song that sounds too generic and repetitive. The album also has some interludes and freestyles that do not add much value to the album.
The album has some weak and filler tracks, such as "Company", "Waqt Ke Saath (Interlude)" and "KOTS (Freestyle)". These songs do not offer anything new or interesting to the listeners. They also have some mediocre lyrics and production quality.
The album has some controversial and divisive tracks, such as "King Of Indian Hip Hop". This song is a 7-minute-long diss track aimed at various rap artists in the Indian hip-hop scene. While some may appreciate Emiway's boldness and honesty, others may find it arrogant and disrespectful. The song also has some factual errors and questionable claims.
The Verdict
Overall, KOTS is a mixed bag of an album. It has some high points and low points, some hits and misses. It is not Emiway's best work, but it is not his worst either. It is an ambitious and experimental project that showcases his potential and passion. It is also a reflection of his journey and personality.
Let me know what you think of KOTS in the comments below. Do you agree or disagree with my review? What are your favourite and least favourite tracks? Who do you think Emiway dissed in his final track?
Thanks for reading!