99.9%, Kaytranada Review

Although 99.9% being Canadian born Kaytranda’s (real name Louis Kevin Celestin) first full length endeavour. He is in no way a newcomer to the Dance/R&B scene. He started posting on Soundcloud in the early 10s, gaining notoriety especially with his reworking of Janet Jackson’s ‘If’. In 2016, he is one of the most desirable producers around, with credits on Chance’s and Azealia Bank’s most recent efforts. On 99.9% Kaytranda pushes the groove and cool to the max for possibly the best album for this Summer. 

Kaytranada has managed to transfer the energy of the club and his live shows directly onto record with 99.9%. Songs such as ‘TRACK UNO’ and ‘ONE TOO MANY’ are explosive and meaty in production, the latter having more layers than a feud between Taylor Swift and the Kardashains. ‘VIVID DREAMS’, ‘DRIVE ME CRAZY’ and ‘LEAVE ME ALONE’ rely in part on their heavy bass- reminiscent of some Celestin’s earlier work such as ‘Holy Hole Inna Donut’, these tracks excite and are perfect for any late night drive. 99.9% isn’t necessarily a party or BBQ album as the exquisite detail of his samples and drum fills make it difficult background music. However, songs such as ‘BUS RIDE’ and ‘LITE SPOTS’ are fantastic for solitary listening in the sweltering heat. Kaytranada’s off kilter style is pleasing and undoubtably enjoyable in the sunshine.

A major crime of this album is its amount of filler. Admittedly each song has its own merit, yet many are too stagnated. ‘DESPITE THE WEATHER’ is pretty uninteresting until the final vocal sample of Sway talking about Kaytranada, a swaggering moment for the often low key producer. The strongest moment of 99.9% is ‘GLOWED UP’ featuring the impressive Anderson .Paak, his mix of interesting bars and a glowing chorus stands out right in the middle of the album. Apart from a far too glossy feature by Craig David, Kaytranada has chosen some of the coolest artists to be on his LP. Most notably, The Internet’s Syd on ‘YOU’RE THE ONE’ further proving she is one of the strongest voices in modern Neo-Soul.

It is fitting that Kaytranada has named his album 99.9%. An undoubtably brilliant body of work with some exceptional production, yet missing something that would make the music world call it one of the top LPs of the year. 9.9/10.