Kuda’s latest EP, 52 Blue, is an exploration of contrasts—the loud, brash exterior versus the quiet, aching interior. Inspired by the story of a whale that communicates at a frequency no other whale can understand, Kuda’s work on this project delves deep into the loneliness and isolation that comes with feeling out of sync with the world around you. At 24, Kuda’s sound—what he calls “Hurt Hustler Music”—is a blend of autotuned southern trap flows and synth-driven production that creates a space where defiance and vulnerability collide.
The EP starts with, “Lift Off,” a haunting anthem that sets the tone for the entire project. Kuda uses the whale’s story as a metaphor for his own experiences, drifting through life with the weight of mental illness, navigating through different social groups without ever truly fitting in. This feeling of being misunderstood, of speaking a language no one else can quite grasp, is palpable in his delivery. The autotune, often used to mask imperfections or add a layer of detachment, here feels like a deliberate choice to amplify the sense of distance between Kuda and the world. The synths, swirling and echoing, mirror the vast, uncharted waters the whale swims through, enhancing the atmosphere of isolation.
Yet, as much as 52 Blue is about loneliness, it’s also about survival. Kuda doesn’t wallow in his pain; he channels it into something powerful and defiant. Tracks like “Get Hiya” and “It Ain’t No Gift” reveal the other side of his duality—the part of him that copes by diving headfirst into the excesses of life. There’s a raw honesty in how he portrays this lifestyle, acknowledging the hollow victories that come with making a lot of money and partying hard. The beats here are heavier, more aggressive, but there’s always an undercurrent of melancholy, a reminder that this is a coping mechanism rather than a solution.
One of the most striking tracks on the EP is “Roll Tha Dice.” The song strips back some of the more chaotic elements present in other tracks, allowing Kuda’s lyrics to take center stage. Here, he reflects on the internal battles that come with feeling like you’re invisible, even in a crowd. The production is sparse, almost minimalistic, letting the weight of his words settle in. It’s in this track that Kuda’s storytelling shines, painting a vivid picture of a man who has learned to navigate the darkness but still longs for a connection that feels just out of reach.
52 Blue is a project that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a reflection of Kuda’s personal journey, capturing the tension between who he is on the outside and what he feels on the inside. It’s an EP that doesn’t shy away from the complexity of these emotions, instead embracing them in all their messy, beautiful glory. In a world where many feel the pressure to present a polished, perfect image, Kuda’s willingness to expose his scars—both the ones that are healing and the ones that are still raw—is what makes this project so compelling. This is hurt hustler music at its finest, a soundtrack for those who hustle not just to survive, but to find meaning in the midst of the chaos.
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