He would be remembered for being the frontman of the popular group Tree Houses On The Sea, a.k.a T.H.O.T.S, but Raheem Kemet’s journey in spoken word and hip hop has come a long way. He told Latoya Newman that the game is about to see another development as he releases a few EPs.
RAHEEM Kemet will soon be releasing a succession of four EPs under the banner The Element Series. Each EP will take the title of the four elements; earth, wind, fire and water.
He explained: “The first two EPs that will be released online are Fire and Wind… wind helps fire spread. Each EP will be produced by a different producer. The Fire EP will be produced by Gavin Dave of the Audinarys and The Wind EP will be produced by Myndphlo.”
Kemet said each EP will have a different feel to it: “The first two are centred around hip hop and soul. I sing and rap on both of the offerings with topics varying from love, struggle and future destinations. I tried to be raw and uncut with what I say on these tracks so people can get to know the essence behind Raheem Kemet.”
Kemet’s last release was with T.H.O.T.S back in 2009.
“This release is different in the sense that it’s a bit more personal with the lyrics and programmed when it comes to the beats. I will be releasing it independently and the tracks will be up for free download on Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
“I have grown as an artist since 2009 and people can expect a more mature sound when it comes to the artistry.
“I feature one emcee (Canis Major) on The Wind EP under the track titled The Essence which is currently on rotation in Joburg on the radio station Eldos FM; and one vocalist by the name of Apple, aka Ummah Screaming Sun, on the track titled The Marriage which is on The Fire EP,” he said.
In April last year Kemet pre-released three tracks off The Fire EP (The Marriage, The Fire and Shout Out) which have all made it on to the international online radio station @PEPRradio which is run by Public Enemy’s frontman Chuck D.
“I also featured on Gagasi FM’s hip hop sessions for the release of the title track for The Fire EP called The Fire.
“I have just finished shooting the video for The Fire which was directed by Durban-based film-maker Mark Edwards.”
Kemet said these first two EPs mark his exit in terms of secular music.
“I will be going on a hiatus for a while in order to reinvent myself as an artist and to focus on my family. It’s a decision that has been playing on my conscious for the past few months. My works will be handed over to a trusted friend of mine who will keep the music going online. So the Earth and Water EPs will be something different when they arise. Something more spiritual and grown.”
• Keep track of Kemet’s music and video at @RaheemKemet; www.soundcloud.com/raheemkemet; www.facebook.com /raheemkemet and www.facebook.com/theraprojekt.