Description
Ladi6 has been a rising star in New Zealand's hip-hop and soul scene over the past decade. But her latest record, 2013's Automatic, is a gem with the potential to turn her into an international R&B sensation. Her silky future-funk beats (produced by partner Parks and Detroit beat-maker Waajeed) are textured with experimental synths and deep bass thumps. The production is raw yet smooth. She delivers reflective, life-affirming lyrics with her confident, husky voice. She balances ideas of strength and survival, and hope and struggle. Like Erykah Badu and M.I.A., she never beats people over the head with pop hooks, but creates some intelligent, slowly-infectious grooves. (Aaron Carnes)
Comments