Galway rapper KY returns with unflinching new single ‘243 Freestyle’

Following a year-long hiatus from music, emerging Irish hip-hop artist KY is back with his latest single ‘243 Freestyle’.

With its magnetic beat framing the rapper’s ambitious flow, the track reflects KY’s undeniable growth both as an artist and individual, deftly capturing the highs and lows, the ebb and flow, of his journey and setting a new tone for his evolving sound.

KY first garnered widespread attention with earlier tracks, ‘iSpy’ and ‘Foreign’, blending Irish drill stylings with a universal hip-hop sensibility. His past releases have been celebrated for their introspective lyrics and smooth-like-silk flow, cementing the rapper as a unique voice in Ireland’s music scene.

KY’s artistry, however, extends beyond music, having also been a long-time advocate for social change, addressing issues surrounding racism and discrimination.

‘243 Freestyle’ is perhaps KY’s most personal release to date, centering on the obstacles he’s faced and his stalwart commitment to transcend them.

“I’ve gone through a lot this past year, and this track is me processing that journey,” KY shares. “It’s a reminder that no matter the setbacks, I’m still here and ready to create.”

This latest track is a masterful combination of KY’s unique lyrical flow with a propulsive beat, prompting a return that’s as pensive as it is potent.

Accompanying the release is a music video to ‘243 Freestyle’, adding a mesmeric visual dimension to KY’s dynamic storytelling, bringing elements of Galway’s culture and the rapper’s narrative to the screen. The video was shot by Nathan Sheridan and was filmed on location in Co. Longford.

With '243 Freestyle', KY reaffirms his place among Ireland's most compelling hip-hop artists, returning with a powerful exploration of resilience, ambition and identity.