KIRA – SXLFMADE
Montreal’s KIRA delivers a bold statement of artistic independence with “SXLFMADE,” a sprawling 16-track hip-hop odyssey that showcases the young artist’s ambitious vision and self-taught prowess. At just two years into his musical journey, KIRA demonstrates remarkable maturity in both production choices and vocal delivery, crafting a sound built on pulsating beats, heavy autotune, and an undeniably smooth flow.
The album opens with “Sxlfmade Lifestyle – Intro,” immediately establishing the project’s central thesis of artistic autonomy. This sets the stage for what becomes a fascinating exploration of modern hip-hop’s boundaries, where experimental soundscapes collide with mainstream sensibilities. KIRA’s promise to “blend experimental sound with typical mainstream music” isn’t just marketing speak—it’s the album’s driving force.
Standout tracks like “Rockstar” – an amusingly ironic title for a hip-hop track that perfectly captures KIRA’s playful approach to genre conventions – and “Turn It Up” showcase his ability to craft infectious hooks while riding pulsating beats with effortless flow. “Turn It Up” features an extremely vague production that somehow makes the track more intriguing, with KIRA’s vocals appearing to get slightly boosted at the end of each line, giving the song an explosive twist that keeps listeners engaged. This clever manipulation of volume dynamics appears to be a recurring technique throughout the album. “I Feel Insane” demonstrates his genre-blending prowess most effectively, opening with electro-pop elements before synths guide the transition into full hip-hop mode, revealing how KIRA has developed a distinctly personal style. His liberal use of autotune isn’t a crutch but rather a stylistic choice that adds texture and atmosphere to his vocals, creating a hypnotic quality that draws listeners deeper into each track. The production, handled by a diverse roster including Spicee, Froese, and notably Billboard-charting producers F1lthy and Lukrative, provides a rich foundation of rhythmic beats that perfectly complement KIRA’s melodic sensibilities.
The album’s emotional core emerges in tracks like “Serotonin Slump + I Saw an Angel in My Sleep (Interlude)” and “Heartbreak,” where KIRA’s vulnerability cuts through the bravado. These moments of introspection provide necessary breathing room in an otherwise high-energy collection, demonstrating the artist’s understanding of dynamic flow. “Sxlfmade Freestyle 1” serves as a showcase for KIRA’s technical abilities, while later tracks like “Found My Sound” feel like mission statements. The closing track “I’m Sxlfmade” brings the album full circle, reinforcing themes of self-reliance and artistic vision that permeate the entire project.
What’s most impressive about “SXLFMADE” is how KIRA’s natural flow carries each track, seamlessly weaving between rapid-fire verses and melodic hooks drenched in autotune. The pulsating beats create an almost trance-like backdrop that allows his vocal delivery to shine, whether he’s delivering braggadocious bars or more introspective moments. His DIY ethos—learning to record and produce entirely on his own—permeates every track, creating an authenticity that’s increasingly rare in today’s heavily collaborative hip-hop landscape.
While some tracks feel slightly underdeveloped and the album’s length occasionally works against its momentum, “Sxlfmade Lifestyle” succeeds as both a calling card and a mission statement. KIRA has created something genuinely distinctive here—a project that honours hip-hop tradition while pushing firmly into uncharted territory. For an artist who began this journey at 16 without outside help, “SXLFMADE” represents not just a promising debut, but a fascinating glimpse into the future of melodic hip-hop. KIRA has mastered the art of combining modern production techniques with genuine vocal talent, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and uniquely his own. A new style is born. (7/10) (SXLFMADE)
