RNZ Music is proud to be the first to share the brand new single and video from Auckland rapper Unchained XL, ‘Weight On My Bars, Pt. IV’.
‘Part IV’ is the latest instalment of Unchained XL’s ‘Weight On My Bars’ series, where he lays down 48 bars of rap with no hook or chorus, covering a range of different subjects.
Part four’s themes include police brutality, immigration and systemic racism. It sees UXL go further than he has in previous tracks, weaving political commentary and comedy into complex rhythms and rhyme schemes.
The instrumental features a sax solo by Auckland-based Saxophonist Thabani Gapara (Katchafire, Hipstamatics) and has a distinctly ‘70s vibe.
Unchained XL is a UK-Born Nigerian hip hop artist and producer with a unique, afrocentric sound.
He’s released two EPs – his 2018 debut Foreign Legacy, and most recently The Migrant Mind, which came out in March.
UXL blends afrofunk, afrobeat and hip hop, using a combination of live instruments and synths.
With overarching themes of faith, identity, justice, virtue and cultural innovation, UXL draws inspiration from artists such as Fela Kuti, Jidenna and M.anifest.
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