Clear the way, clear the way… Kitsuné compilations are always true treasure troves in which the stars of tomorrow sometimes get their start… This first volume in the Afterwork series is no exception to the rule and the virtuosos of the mic and groove tamers from all over the world follow one another, MCs and producers that mostly operate on hip hop or R’n’B grounds. We meet here true stylists like Ishmael Ali aka IshDARR, an astounding languorous rapper from Milwaukee who does wonders on a muffled beat. We also come across Raiza Biza, a Rwandan based in New Zealand, who shows off his soul-filled flow on almost jazz instrumentations. Furthermore, we come out marked by the sharp writing of the upcoming Brit Adian Coker, a rapper that flirts with pop frontiers without ever sinking to compromises. More on the electro side, the French BlackDoe displays a funky tapestry while the Koreans Kim Ximya and FRNK aka XXX offer an incisive rap in its flow, and minimalist in its sound. And the Kitsuné Afterwork trip goes on from city to city. It’s truly fascinating. © MZ/Qobuz