Weighing in at…I have no idea, actually, but she can’t be more than a featherweight, Miss Red has unloaded an album worthy of its title – K.O.
I described Miss Red’s music to a coworker as “Jamaican dancehall by way of Israel and Germany.” He claimed not to understand it, but his head was bobbing and his hips were moving before he realized what was happening.
Collaborating once more with beat master the Bug, Miss Red throws out “Shock Out” like a quick jab testing her opponent’s guard. When it lands at the 43-second mark, it about splits your nose open. Red’s rapping is fast, smooth, sexy, and dangerous. Bug’s beats are like a growling, prowling bear emerging from its den ready to devour anything in its path. “Give me the money and pass me the mic,” Red sings on “One Shot Killer.” “One move wrong and you’re gonna see me bite,” she warns / tempts before her vocals take on a smoky quality that is difficult to describe but wonderful to hear.
She bobs, weaves, and shuffle steps with amazing speed on “Money Machine.” I don’t think she’s keeping up with the Bug’s thumping beats so much as they’re keeping up with her. “Alarm” is a short banger, almost like a blitz of punches that disappears as quickly as it begins, like a set-up for a stronger blow. That stronger blow is “War” – a dub mind-trip that feels as punch-drunk as it sounds. “Come Again” has Red claiming her heavyweight (in terms of skill) title from people who can’t match her game. The synth-bass on it is some of the biggest on the record, too. “Big” has her letting everyone know she’s far bigger than her size would have you believe. She might be small, but Miss Red is a giant throwing lighting bolts from thunderclouds once she grabs the mic.
“Clouds” is another trippy dub track, and the electronic beats on “Dust” bubble into a wicked brew. “Dagga” is the first single off K.O., and it’s a good choice. It highlights Red’s vocal chops and the Bug’s wicked beats well. As good as that is, however, “Slay,” is downright jaw-dropping. It’s an instant floor-filler and one of the hottest club tracks of 2018. I can’t wait to hear this live. Red brings a kinky swagger to her lyrics (more than usual) and the Bug’s beats and breakdowns almost aren’t fair to practicing DJ’s like yours truly. The haunting “Memorial Day” belongs in a modern-day giallo film. Red opts for more singing than rhyming, and the Bug’s beats crackle like a bowl of your favorite cereal. The title track closes the album, and it’s a quick fadeout with Miss Red mostly chanting, “K.O.” throughout it. It’s like having your bell rung and seeing the lights go out as you fall to the mat in blissful stupor.
Miss Red is a fierce opponent. I wouldn’t want to face her in a rap battle, let alone in a street fight. She’d probably seduce you with her agile vocals and then break at least one limb while your guard was down. Still, you’d have a great story to tell afterwards.
Keep your mind open.
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