KAYTRANADA’s Do 2 Me: A DJ from the Frozen North Bringing the Heat

KAYTRANADA is a DJ from Canada who is known for his mix of club and funk with amazing collabs. He has worked with a number of artists and his new record Timeless brings some hot names in music like Childish Gambino and Pink Pantheress with some iconic old heads like Thundercat. His track Do 2 Me brings together well known hip hop artist Anderson. Paak with up an coming R&B artist SiR on a sexy track that will be at home in both the club and the jazz lounge.

KAYTRANADA blends the key elements of club and jazz into a smooth booming track that can both set the mood and get the party goin’. There are some jazz staples like some poppin’ brass, deep bass lines and snare that just snaps and pops. Having said that, the track has an energy and a synth line to it that can fit well in the club as people bob their heads and get a sweat going. Musically, the track is not one or the other, but a great blend of both. KAYTRANADA also sprinkles in some bamboo sounding organic percussion into the mix, which gives the track a smooth 70s vibe, that I really appreciate. There is a lot going on in the mix, but it all works together.

Lyrically this track is sex personified. Paak raps and sings about how much he likes having sex in some not too subtle detail. Listening through the track it sounds like he is channelling his inner Prince…you know….before he was a reborn Christian. Much like Prince, Paak is able to take overtly sexual lines but deliver them in a way that comes off as smooth and sexy, as opposed to vulgar. I think SiR is a great counterpoint to Paak when he comes in his smooth R&B style. He adds to the track’s sexy jazz vibe that really lifts the track. It’s hard to stand out when you are paired up with someone as well known as Paak, but SiR delivers.

DJ led albums are hit and miss. At times they are great pairings, like Skrillex and Missy Elliott, while at other times the DJ’s style steamrolls over the artist and leaves you feeling empty. In this case KAYTRANADA’s style is a perfect match for the artists on his record and leaves you feeling excited for hearing something fresh and new. This was a long awaited record that really delivers.

Listen to Do 2 Me