Kenya’s Buruklyn Boyz show a softer side to their drill up-shot on EAST MPAKA LONDON. Mpaka is the name of a street that cuts through the Buruburu estate where the Buruklyn Boyz made their come-up. Tracks like “CONFESSION” (everything all caps) have the gnarly drill undertone, but much of the project takes a smoother, r&b inspired melody like on “NISKIZE” with r&b singer Maya Amola or “NOTHING BUT LOVE”. The 16 tracks play through with a single concept and can often blend together, a sign of a well-established universe and worthy accomplishment for a rap debut. Now it will be up to the leaders of the drill and rap scene in Kenya to continue to guide its future, whether it’s the heavy bass and gang signs inspired from the UK, or the sensitive and groovy wave of r&b, we’ll be looking the the Burukulyn Boyz to see what’s next.