Tag Archives: Toothpick

Kai Straw – Hurricane (Music Video) [TMN Premiere]

Posted by Alisha Wieckmann - May 1, 2017

Back in 2016 we had the pleasure of sharing with you an amazing album, Toothpick, from the San Francisco artist Kai Straw. One of the songs off the LP, “Hurricane” was overwhelmingly the #1 hit on the album, something that came as a bit of a surprise given the album’s more upbeat, radio-friendly songs. However, we and fans fell in love with it and to signify the end of the Toothpick era, Kai is delivering a music video for the single in this Music Ninja Premiere.

After this comes another album, but we’ll focus on the music video at hand. Directed by Kai Straw himself, the video for “Hurricane” is a tasteful, minimalist set of images that really connect well, as it seems Kai is singing directly to you in a 1-on-1 session. In getting up close and personal, Kai opens himself up to the audience in a way he has rarely done before, which goes to show just how far he has come as an artist and person. Check out the video below and if you haven’t checked out the full EP, do so and grab a copy to support! Like we said before, get ready for another album coming in the next few months…

[Music Video] Kai Straw – Don’t Tread On Me

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 22, 2016

Back in April we shared with you an album by the name of Toothpick from an artist named Kai Straw. The ten track LP was solid from beginning to end, making it hard to pick a favorite. That’s when you know it’s special. One of the ones that did stick out to us though, was “Don’t Tread On Me.” Today, we’re happy to share with you a music video for that single.

Kai Straw is a man of many talents, which is why he went ahead and directed this incredible video himself. “Don’t Tread On Me” in its visual form is more than just any old music video. It tells a tale, and portrays a situation that millions of women find themselves in every year. Domestic violence is no joke. It’s a hot topic that can turn people away in an instant, but Kai handles it with grace and attention to detail, always keeping in mind his respect for anybody who is being affected by this problem. Not only that, but he delves into the complexities of abusive relationships all while creating a visual art piece that you’ll watch again and again. We already have; now it’s your turn.

Indie
Video

[Indie/Hip-Hop] Kai Straw – Toothpick LP

Posted by Tyler Trew - April 13, 2016

Over the past month Kai Straw has been releasing singles off his anticipated Toothpick album. Last night at 8PM PST, he dropped his album in full through his own imprint Tenth Gate Records, whose roster includes the producer for this album, James The Bear. Together these two put together an incredible album whose sound takes from funk, hip-hop and indie.

Ten tracks make up Toothpick, a dynamically expressive LP whose content largely focuses around the love-lust dichotomy that plagues the millennial generation. This theme is broken by tracks like “The Business” which is an anthem for the Bay Area, where Kai calls home. This is also the only track with features, as Kai collaborated with fellow veterans Keak Da Sneak and Roach Gigz. Throughout the album Kai manages, as always, to utilize his uncanny ability to formulate the thoughts of his generation, while displaying them through one-of-a-kind musical creations. Give Toothpick a genuine listen through, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking to dive in a crazy rabbit hole of lots of intriguing tales and records, then you should check out his entire discography on his website.

’Friction’

Buy

’$OLO(w)’

Buy

’The Business ft. Keak Da Sneak & Roach Gigz’

’Rewind’

’Don’t Tread On Me’

’A Million Ways’

’Bones’

’Dangerous’

’Magic’

’Hurricane’

[Indie] Kai Straw – Bones

Posted by Tyler Trew - April 6, 2016

Kai Straw
Bones

Soundcloud

“Bones” is the last single that Kai Straw is pushing prior to his album’s release date on April 12th. Toothpick is one of the more promising independent albums you will look forward to this year. One of the most intriguing songs off the album is “Bones,” which tells a chilling tale that you just have to hear to believe.

Kai Straw’s move to a more live oriented sound is evident right from the start of “Bones.” Kai has always been able to tell tales with his songs, so hearing what this song’s lyrical content consists of is no surprise. With the James The Bear produced instrumental, we get a funky, vivacious sound that is just as playful as the lyrics are. Strong piano chords and groovy guitar riffs are highlights of the production that lays a backdrop for Kai to let his vocal loose. Stream the single, and get ready for the full album release next week through Tenth Gate Records. If you haven’t checked out his previous singles, you may do so here.

Indie

[Indie/Soul] Kai Straw – Hurricane

Posted by Tyler Trew - March 31, 2016

Kai Straw
Hurricane

Soundcloud

Kai Straw continues his string of pre-album single releases with “Hurricane,” the third single from his forthcoming Toothpick LP. We first encountered an indie tune, then moved to Kai’s more hip-hop centered sound with “The Business,” and now we get something different from either of those first two songs. “Hurricane” has Kai stretching his vocal abilities to deliver a soulful jam that may just be the song you need to throw on repeat and relax to.

Kai is one of the most dynamic musicians you will come across. This is clearly evident for anyone who’s been following his Toothpick releases, or have been a fan since his beginnings. “Hurricane” isn’t really like any song Kai has done before. Here we get a down-to-Earth record that as powerful as it is subtle. The minimalist tone is one of the song’s strengths, as is its organic sound that could easily be played in a live set up with a band. Kai has been unveiling something special one week at a time, and soon the full project will be out. We have one more single to share next week before the full release on April 12th. For now, stream “Hurricane” and if you haven’t checked the other tracks out, head over to the hyperlinked pages above.

Indie
Soul

[Hip-Hop] Kai Straw – The Business feat. Keak Da Sneak & Roach Gigz

Posted by Tyler Trew - March 23, 2016

Kai Straw
The Business ft. Keak Da Sneak & Roach Gigz

Soundcloud

Another single off the upcoming Toothpick album has hit the web thanks to Kai Straw. The San Francisco artist already released “Friction” last week, and now “The Business” is here. This single has Kai keeping more in line with his hip-hop roots and teaming up with fellow Northern California artists Keak Da Sneak and Roach Gigz. For all you Bay Area cats out there, you now have another anthem to slap.

“The Business” has each of the emcees sharing a bit about their hometown within the bay, covering Oakland, Fairfield and San Francisco. James The Bear produced this record, which has one of the sickest beats we’ve heard in a while. Fans of Kai’s older works will find this especially dope, as it is a sort of new-school homage to the hyphy movement where Kai got his start producing records. “The Business” stands out as something exceptionally special within Toothpick. Two more singles are to be released before the full album is out on Tenth Gate Records on April 12th.

Hip/Hop

[Indie] Kai Straw – Friction

Posted by Tyler Trew - March 18, 2016

Kai Straw
Friction

Soundcloud

San Francisco artist Kai Straw is making his return over the upcoming weeks until his album, Toothpick, comes out in full. Prior to the release date on April 12th, Kai will be releasing a few singles for fans to enjoy before the full project is out. He’s kicked things off with “Friction,” which has the artist moving a bit away from his hip-hop sound and more to an indie style.

“Friction” is a ballad that many millennials can connect to. It’s love-laced lyrics are fraught with passion that seeps into the funky beat created by James The Bear, who produced the album in its entirety. Kai has performed a live show in the past, opening for such acts as Big Krit, Clyde Carson and more, but this track is really built around that live band experience, utilizing acoustic components for a life-like expression. We’ve been lucky enough to preview the album in full, and we have to say, you’re in for a real treat. Check back each week until the album drops so you can get some sneak previews into this extraordinary LP.

Indie