The unConventionAl KingZ are a duo from Phoenix, Arizona consisting of High Deafinician & Lowkey tha Wizard known for their unique fusions of hip hop, rock music, country music & funk music. They appeared on The Bootleg Kev Podcast around this time a year ago to kick a freestyle that was so dope, that Strange Music founders Tech N9ne & Travis O’Guin signed the duo to their It Goes Up Entertainment subsidiary for their official full-length debut album following a total of 6 singles.
“Kingmaker” produced by Lowkey tha Wizard is a rap rock intro letting everyone listening know as to who the fuck they are whereas “I’m Down” takes a funkier vibe instrumentally talking about being down for whatever. “Round Me” featuring Taebo tha Truth finds the trio getting together to tell those who have negative energy they can hit the bricks whilst elevating while “Run Away” gets goes rap rock once again talking about making a runaway.
Mario Casalini brings a more playful vibe to “Up, Up & Away” showing a boastful side to the duo lyrically just before “Shadows” featuring Joey Cool & Lex Bratcher shows the rap rock influences once more talking about a free woman you can find in every city. “Ashes in the Wind” passionately maintains the fusion of hip hop & rock expressing the plans that were previously made burning, but then “Mexico” blends country rock & rap homaging the country it’s named after.
“Brown Skin Cowgirl” keeps the sounds of the previous cut in tact talking about the type of woman who’ll drive you wild while “Feeling Me” wanting to know why certain people can’t keep it real with either one of them. “Enemy Lines” asks who exactly does everyone else think they’re fucking with while the trap-rock hybrid “Execution” featuring Big Doobie & Tech N9ne talks about no one being able to handle the death of the condemned.
King Iso appears for “Iron Addicts (The Anthem)” venturing beyond rap rock in favor of rap metal as the trio pretty much give a middle finger to the concept of rehabilitation while “I’m Free” featuring X-Raided talks about the trio each having a strong sense of freedom. “We the People” featuring Lex Bratcher & Wrekonize points out not knowing what tomorrow brings watching out for evil while “U.S.A.” salutes those who’ve fought for our country whether it be past or present.
“Hustlin’” soulfully shows off the KingZ’ continuous grind referencing 10-time WWE world champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion, United Football League (UFL) co-owner, TKO Group Holdings board of directors member & $7 Productions co-founder The Rock while “W.A.D.S.A.N. (Work All Day, Smoke All Night)” featuring New Oracle talks about the relatable theme of keepin’ it movin’ & getting stoned at the beginning & end of each day. The song “Mary Jane” shows appreciation for marijuana over a trap rock instrumental while “The Way It Goez” talks about the industry turning friends into foes. “On My Mind” concludes the LP by melodically admitting they didn’t think they’d get this far.
It totally makes sense for a group as unique as the unConventionAl KingZ to sign with It Goes Up Entertainment & Strange Music because UKMF (AZ2KC) captures their whole style stronger than their Bootleg Kev freestyle did. Their production shows influences of all 4 genres that helped their name grow bigger in the underground, both past & present Strange Music artists all fit in with the duo fluidly & their songwriting makes their case as a dominant force in Arizona hip hop.
Score: 8/10
