Renowed rapper Ish Kevin has released his much- anticipated debut album titled 'Blood, Sweat & Tears' (BST). This follows an announcement the rapper and lyricist made earlier this month about the official release date of the album and its track list, which features major Afro-fusion artistes including Nigeria's AV and Singah. Also read: Nigeria’s AV, Singah to feature on Ish Kevin’s debut album ‘BST’ As promised, the album debuted on all major streaming platforms in the early hours of Thursday, September 23, and its journey to the top of the charts has just begun. The 10-track album also features a host of young Rwandan talents such as Shemi, best known for her debut single 'Peace of Mind', and Bobby Bangs, among others. Also read: Ish Kevin to release maiden album ‘BST’ After the album's release, Ish Kevin told The New Times that it is a groundbreaking project that explains the struggles and challenges he faced growing up, as well as the bright vision he has for his music career. Everything about this album is special. Just like its title, it describes the pain and hustle of growing up in the toughest of situations, but it also presents the new Ish Kevin who is ready to take over and do what has never been done before in the Rwandan music industry, the rapper said, adding, This is a new wave in the making. When asked why he sounds so new on the album, different from the driller and rapper many knew him as, Ish said it's time for musicians to step out of their comfort zone and produce unique sounds and BST is a fusion of modern genres and traditional Rwandan sounds to prove to many that they can still produce unique sounds and people will still feel it. Also read: Ish Kevin off to Nairobi: What's he cooking? The intro to the album samples Ruti Joel's 'Kwivuga' vocals, which are popular in Rwandan traditional ceremonies, and track nine of the albums, produced by Pastor P, features additional melodies from the Inanga, a popular traditional music instrument. The album was produced by young Rwandan producers like Joeka$$h who own Cash Records, Pro Zed, Bailey Pro, Rally, Shizzo, and Romeo, among others, all long-time collaborators of Ish Kevin. Some of the tracks on the album like Big Shaq, Bad Boy, Addictions and Kell Em are already a thing on local airwaves and televisions.
