Live Report: KhakiKid brings hyper-rap to the Hot Press Y&E Series

If there's one thing characteristic of a KhakiKid set, it's his ability to straddle the line between complete chaos and electric musicality. Last night on the Hot Press Y&E series was no different, when he delivered a constantly moving blend of hyper-rap, loose freestyles and straight up confusion. The best part: it all worked perfectly. Even while munching pineapple.

Sitting in a darkened studio, he was sat next to Bricknasty; someone who, in the words of KhakiKid, is "one of the best neo-soul entrepreneurs of this generation." Where his recorded works are highly produced, electronic bass and swirling keyboard driving the tempo, the rapper's live performance was stripped back to just his voice and a guitar. It made his set even more impressive, as he drew from a seemingly endless well of energy to perform his biggest hits in an unconventional format.

He kicked off the set with his 2020 single, 'Late.' Smooth and ambient, the track translated into acoustic strumming from Bricknasty, who - hidden behind his characteristic ski mask - kept up with KhakiKid's verses with rhythmic guitar.

Following with one of his most popular tracks, 'Shlumped Up,' the Dublin rapper performed the song perfectly — the guitar playing kicking it up a notch, as the rapper was freed from any melodic constraints. Here, as he laughed through his verses, it was clear KhakiKid was sticking to his MO of not taking things too seriously. His main objective to have fun, above all else.

From the start it was apparent that this wasn't going to be a conventional set. But as time went on, that theory was proven. Whether it was rapping 'Uppercut' over the melody of 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman, a verse to the tune of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' or Bricknasty's creative interpretation of 'Something in the Way' by Nirvana, nobody knew what was coming next — including KhakiKid.

A product of the emerging Irish hip-hop scene, the Dublin native has been on the rise since his first release in 2020. Collaborating with the likes of TrippyThaKid, Ahmed, With Love and 49th & Main, he has cultivated a tongue-in-cheek sound that is distinctly his own. Already a key part of the homegrown scene, the rapper is set to make a major impact.

Finishing off his set with a rendition of 'Since You've Been Gone' alongside X Collective artist Tadgh, the live concluded just as it had started — suddenly. It's hard to encapsulate those 30 minutes into words, but the general sentiment is this: constantly moving, often chaotic and forever impressive.

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Coming up next on the Y&E Series...

Amy Ellen

After the last few years, Amy Ellen has carved out an importance presence on the Irish indie-rock/pop scene, with her delicate vocals and carefully layered harmonies. Her eagerly-awaited debut EP, Only You Will Know, was released last year, showcasing her influences such as Kurt Vile and Mazzy Star. In addition to her acclaimed solo work, she also joined forced with recent Y&E Series performer Tommy Cullen in November, for the collaborative track 'In The Winter'.

Watch Amy Ellen perform on the Y&E Series at 7pm via the Hot Press Instagram tonight – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media...