Killy

Toronto artist blog.

Killy

has been in the music scene for quite a while now, and it's safe to say he's become one of the legendary figures in Toronto's music landscape. It's high time people start giving him the recognition he deserves because he's one of the pioneering Toronto rappers who ventured into uncharted territory, distinct from the conventional street rap sound that dominated the scene at that time. Killy managed to capture the attention of the American market, which was a significant factor in his growth beyond many of his fellow artists in the street rap genre. His music has a unique quality that's hard to pinpoint, and there are very few artists out there who can be compared to him. Killy has successfully carved out a niche for himself that remains untouched by anyone else in recent years. What makes Killy truly stand out is his cadence, which plays a pivotal role in defining his unique style. His voice is distinctive and unforgettable, but it's not just about his vocal delivery; it's also about his impeccable production choices that span his entire discography. He's widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the hyperpop rage sound that's become so popular today. Killy is mainly credited under Trap, Emo Rap but it’s definitely the father sound to the underground sound we have today. His production style has this larger-than-life quality, elevating his music to a whole new level. From his cadence to his production and packaging (his Image), everything is executed with precision, innovation, and a whole lot of passion. Killy's discography is pretty extensive, dating back to 2017 with his breakout track, "Killamonjaro." Although he released his first song in 2016, titled "Big Bux" on SoundCloud along with a number of other tracks, it was "Killamonjaro" that catapulted his career with a whopping 73 million streams on Spotify alone. 2017 proved to be a monumental year for Killy with hit singles like "Distance," "No Romance," and "Forecast." These three songs combined for a staggering 78 million streams on Spotify. However, it's essential to note that Killy's sound has evolved significantly since his 2017 days. Initially, his style felt a bit unpolished and experimental, with raw flows and choppy melodies. But over the years, he has matured and polished his sound. Everything from production to mixing has seen substantial improvements, and his delivery and flow have become much smoother. It's safe to say that Killy is currently in his prime, with plenty of potential yet to be tapped into, and that's something to be excited about.

In 2018, Killy made a significant impact with multiple releases, including his project "KILLSTREAK," a short 5-track EP that showcased his best work at the time. The aesthetic and theme of this release were more pronounced and clear. One of Killy's underrated sounds is his high-energy tracks, such as "HELLRAISER." This song is an absolute banger, and Killy's energy in this track is unmatched. The year took off with the release of a full-length album titled "Surrender Your Soul," which solidified his position in the underground scene. This project included gems like "No Sad No Bad," "Doomsday," and "Live Your Last." "No Sad No Bad" is a cult classic and one of Killy's most recognized tracks to date, and rightfully so. This song featured several artists whose contributions would shape Killy's style and delivery, even though it was ahead of its time. Fortunately, people connected with it even back then. Killy continued to release music consistently throughout 2019 and onwards. One of his most memorable works from this period is "Light Path 8," a 13-track album released in the summer of 2019. This marked Killy's last album for a full two years until the highly anticipated release of "KILLSTREAK 2" in 2021. This project showcased some of his best work to date, with standout classics like "PYRO," "RICK BOOTS," and "DETOX." "PYRO" and "RICK BOOTS" set a new standard for quality and catchiness, solidifying their status as undeniable hits. These tracks paved the way for even more catchy and melodic releases in 2022 and 2023. "Crazy Life of Sin" became Killy's fourth album and undoubtedly his most mature and polished work to date. This 8-track project demonstrates Killy's commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity in the past year. Personal favorites include "Y?," "KILLY KILLY," and "CEO." Killy's transition to more melodic and rhythmic flows over time is a significant factor in his music becoming more serious and appealing. One of his recent singles, "Same Energy," is a prime example of Killy at his best, offering a flawless listening experience. Killy's production choices have played a substantial role in shaping his sound and style, but his visual aesthetics are equally important in making him a truly unique and captivating artist to watch. This combination of innovation, musical evolution, and a strong visual identity has helped Killy secure his place as one of the Toronto legends and a trailblazer in the music industry. It's a journey that's far from over, and we can look forward to witnessing his continued growth and success in the years to come.

Written by Maxim Bayarsky