No Explanations

Kamaiyah is a California born and raised rapper. She was born in Oakland in 1992, and she has lived there her entire life. She began creating music from a young age and she took inspiration from famous, impactful African-American female singers such as Missy Elliot and TLC. She began writing music in high school and producing tracks on her own. This determination, drive, and will to win are staple to the music and demeanor she presents herself. After releasing her first album in 2016, Kamaiyah experienced a ton of success. She proceeded to release singles, feature on popular songs with famous and influential artists in the field such as YG and Drake, and over 2020, she released three studio made albums. Each album had a different style and different message for the audience to take away. Kamaiyah raps about her life and life experiences. She is extremely proud of her background and upbringing, and she is unafraid to represent her hometown.

No Explanations is 11 songs long, totaling a little over 35 minutes. This was the last of her three studio albums, and has definitely gotten the most traction. What this album does so effectively is utilize Kamaiyah’s voice over simple beats. The beats used in this album are funky and reminiscent of similar style beats used in songs of California native rappers. The beats are highlighted by a base, drums, and sometimes guitar or piano. There isn’t too much switching in beats or crazy instrument usage. The music is generally upbeat, and it mirrors that of the music which you would find at a club. The music is a lot of fun to dance to and it makes you want to tap your toes while you’re listening along. With her smooth voice rapping over the beat, it is easy to get lost in her music and go crazy.

One of the most defining parts about Kamaiyah’s songs is her lyrics. Her songs are littered with puns, double entendre, figure of speech such as similes and metaphors, and much more. Oftentimes, it will take two or three listens and maybe even a read through before you fully understand everything in a given song. Through her lyrics, she shows off her tough, confident attitude. In an interview with Stephen Kearse from Pitchfork, Kamaiyah said, “I’m a boss … that’s going to be my new narrative” (Kearse 2020). She shows this new narrative through her lyrics.

The fifth song and definitely my favorite from the album is called Go Crazy. This song has a funky, up groove beat. In the song, Kamaiyah reminds us why she is one of hip-hop’s hottest growing artists as She raps about her influence on hip-hop. “Made my own lane, I’m like, ‘What competition?’” This lyric is so talented in many ways. For one, this is the fourth rhyme to different, kitchen in position. To have that many words in her arsenal highlights her ability to rap on the fly and come up with so many rhymes. This lyric is a genuine reflection of how Kamaiyah feels. Because she is so unique, she feels that she has blazed her own trail and deserves our respect. “These people ain’t gotta give me my my praise. Bitches against gotta give me my praise.” The self-confidence from Kamaiyah is evident and she doesn’t feel the need for validation from other people. In the next song, Kamaiyah softens up and talks about her love for a special someone in The Distance. It is still a genuine reflection from Kamaiyah and she shows that even despite her tough upbringing, she is still human and very capable of loving someone. “I go the distance, to get to you with quickness. Cuz babe you got me addicted.” She compares the state of love to addiction because of how passionate and strong and she feels. Showing emotions and being vulnerable is a sign of weakness in the community she is from, but she’s willing to break the stereotype and have the conversation that needs to be had. These two songs are indicative of Kamaiyah as a person.

The album title, No Explanations, is the epitome of Kamaiyah and her attitude towards the world. While her style might come off as brash or insensitive, she is purely trying to be herself and live her own life. Kamaiyah is one of the music industry’s most genuine artists and despite the recent and rapid fame and wealth, she stays genuine and continues to rap about her upbringing. Kamaiyah used this difficult upbringing to grow and mature at a young age. Even though the odds are stacked against her, she has proven that she belongs with hip-hop’s best. With her genuine, honest lyrics and her silky smooth voice, she will continue to produce meaningful music. Her music is multifaceted, and she talks about a wide range of topics over different songs on the album. She is unafraid to tackle social issues or contemporary problems we are facing in the world and she is unafraid to open up and be vulnerable. During an interview with GQ, Kamaiyah credits her childhood upbringing in Oakland to her carefree attitude. “That’s why she has no problem voicing her opinion on everything from classicism vs. racism” (Haithcoat & Pare, 2017). She understands the importance of being honest and real with yourself. Everyone struggles, and we need more celebrities and influencers like Kamaiyah who are willing to break down the stigma.

There is no doubt that she is one of my current favorite artists, and I am excited for her as she drops more music. She has so much talent and now that she is not signed to a record label, she is able to produce on her own and do her own thing, which is something so important and reflective of her character. She is not afraid to walk the path less traveled because she trusts in herself and has faith that she will be able to get through whatever obstacles may appear in her life.