Indian trailblazing star King has released what is sure to be one of the best albums of 2023, New Life – a riotous collection of twelve genre-bending songs from the artist, released on Warner Music India.
Officially released as King’s fourth studio album, his sonically diverse work combines a mix of Hindi and bilingual tracks with electronic, hip-hop and industrial influences; Lyrically, New Life hears King touch on themes of introspection, fear, healing, happiness, ambition and triumph, while expanding his portfolio of international collaborations by teaming up on tracks with Gucci Mane and Julia Michaels.
In anticipation of New Life, the single “We Are the Ones” was recorded, accompanied by Gucci Mane – a spectacular composition filled with menacing electronic sounds and racing drum rhythms led by David Arkwright (Bella Poarch, NCT Dream). “We Are the Ones” offers audiences a barroom feast of ambition, confidence and self-motivation performed by King and Gucci Mane. These two heavyweights of their respective hip-hop genres join forces to create dynamic genre-defining oeuvre, breaking boundaries and showcasing the vibrant diversity of the global music scene. As a decisive moment signaling
With King’s growing international buzz, Gucci Mane’s presence on the maximalist sound of “We Are the Ones” marks the first time the rap legend has linked up with an Indian artist – the latest in a string of unpredictable moves by the trap music pioneer who has inspired and mentored a generation of artists and producers including Migos, Young Thug, Nicki Minaj, Zaytoven, Mike WiLL Made-It and Metro Boomin.
King made the following statement about “We Are the Ones”: A musical scene, but also a phenomenal moment for me personally. It’s a fusion of two different worlds – hip-hop meets new wave – and together we create a huge anthem of rage that knows no boundaries. Gucci Mane’s legacy in trap music is undeniable and now we are here to redefine the game with this track.”
Gucci Mane released the following statement about “We Are the Ones”: “I’ve always pushed boundaries and broken new ground in hip-hop. Collaborating with KING on this track is a big deal because it’s my first big original global collaboration. I really liked the idea of bringing cultures together and taking our careers to a higher global level.”
Meanwhile, “We Are the Ones” is King’s second major international collaboration following his “Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)” crossover with Nick Jonas earlier in 2023. Released as an international remake of King’s record-breaking global viral hit. “Maan Meri Jaan”, the version of “Afterlife” with Nick Jonas, has since racked up 50 million views on YouTube alone and 35 million streams on Spotify, while attracting international press attention from the likes of Rolling Stone, MTV, E!, Evening Standard, Entertainment Tonight. , Wonderland and Magazine 1883.
Elsewhere on the dynamic album, New Life reminds listeners of King’s vibrant talents as one of the top rap talents thriving in the global music landscape. The tumultuous ‘Legends’ candidly chronicles King’s rise to the top as a testament to his success, paying homage to the Indian hip-hop greats who came before him, thereby proving King to be the torchbearer of Indian hip-hop – something like that . King continues with the acerbic “No Loss,” where he details his rise to fame while reflecting on his self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.
On the other side of the spectrum, the softer moments on “New Life” come through the sounds of sunset on “Runaway,” a vulnerable crossover gem that talks about escapism and also features a verse from established hitmaker Julia Michaels. The melancholic “Tu Jaana Na Piya” is sure to continue King’s string of romantic hits with its driving beat and rich lyrics that explore the state of mind in love; Meanwhile, King dives into ’90s nostalgia with the upbeat “High Hukku” with a modern twist.
King’s unprecedented but ongoing success is most welcome. With the Indian charts typically dominated by the music of veteran Bollywood artists, King’s previous album, Champagne Talk, racked up over 1 billion streams across all platforms, with the iconic track “Maan Meri Jaan” racking up over 891 million streams. .
Helping raise the flag of Indian pop culture across the world, the melodic storyteller’s work captivates audiences with its audio-visual experiences and narrative concepts in his lyrics, exploring themes such as self-doubt, confidence, and ups and downs. relationship – and with his international tour soon to hit the UK, US, Canada and Australia, King is certainly proving his star is on the rise internationally.
Strengthening his position as a unique storyteller and king of melody, New Life intends to keep King’s name on its roster as part of his natural evolution into an internationally recognized pop force – stay tuned for more surprises from King later this year.
Tracklist KING – NEW LIFE:
1. “Aafat” (Creator of Peace)
2. “Runaway (feat. Julia Michaels)”
3. “Tu Jaana Na Piya” (“Don’t go, my love”)
4. “Nice trip”
5. “Sarkaare” (My love)
6. “Tum Saat Renaa” (“Stay with me”)
7. “Legends”
8. “We Are the Ones (feat. Gucci Mane)” (Focus single)
9. “High Hukku (feat. Nikita Gandhi)”
10. “No losses”
11. “CROWN”
12. “Legends (B-side)”