While establishing themselves as independent artists, AK3K and Somber’s recent union has proved a harmonious move for both of their careers. A similarity is apparent in their sounds; blending of dark content and moods, and layering them with vulnerability and versatility. Their first release YAMI gave us a heavy track with tight verses, leading us to believe future collaborations would continue the violent sound they each execute so well.
However, their shocking surprise release MY DEAR (Prod. Somber) defied expectations, showing a new side of the two – soft and melodic. The freestyle track revealed multiple dimensions to the artists and proved that working together has encouraged each of them to challenge their boundaries. After these polar opposite releases, AK3K and SOMBER have released their first collaborative EP; DEATH DIARIES. The 4 track project touches on areas that the two have proved successful at in the past, while offering new sounds and showing their listeners that they are ever evolving. The title track, “DEATH DIARIES” shows us the AK3K violence, blended with Somber’s horror ridden tone, paired with a fun and hoppy beat. Though the EP, the tracks “CLEOPATRA” and “PAINLESS” continue to showcase their lyrical power, in union with Somber’s production skill. Closing with “DRUG LOVE” (Prod. Skel), we hear a more fun, carefree sound. A dreamy beat juxtaposed with Talladega Nights samples, we get a glimpse into a day into the life of AK3K and Somber.
We asked the pair some questions on DEATH DIARIES, pressing for more information on their breakout union.
UU: What were you guys hoping to convey through this release?
Somber: I want to speak about reality, and how it isnt real. How the universe created itself, and gravity is a prison.
AK3K: We are in the matrix.
What makes you guys work so well together? How do both of your beliefs come together for a like concept?
Somber: Well, we both are suicidal as fuck, but spiritual too, and have bad mental breakdowns. I’ve been in and out of mental hospitals. So, basically we just don’t give a fuck. We always manifest, and see doors opening everywhere, and numerology speaking to us.
AK3K: We similar people. We on the same wavelength… like he said… we’ve gone through some similar shit. We’re genuine friends. So, we push each other to be the best we can be.
What are your favorite tracks, and why?
Somber: I really like “DRUG LOVE” because of the waves it gives and how it kicks hard as fuck, but still has a smooth flow to smoke too.
AK3K: My favorite songs are “CLEOPATRA” and “PAINLESS,” the flows were just so crazy. Somber always have the craziest lyrics…but he shaped like the letter Q.
What do these songs have in common, why are they a part of the DEATH DIARIES collection?
Somber: They literally mean nothing. *laughs* To be honest we made them on spot smoking. But the songs themselves definitely have a lot of meaningful lyrics in certain songs.
You guys have proved versatility when working together, you’ve touched on several different sub-genres. Why do you feel versatility is important, and how did you go about trying different sounds? Do you think creating together kind of gave you guys more confidence to push the envelope?
Somber: Whatever we feel like making at the heat of the moment is what we’re supposed to make because the universe guides us.
AK3K: I got super fucked up making each song *laughs*… this shit was fun. Diversity is good. Gotta show them we’re not one dimensional artists.
How do you take your signs from the universe and in turn create?
AK3K: I go to the shadow realm and get my answers. Or I’ll ask my son what he thinks.
Is there anything else you guys would like to include on the project?
Somber: I like black girls… but all girls too. But to clarify… I do like black girls.
AK3K: Expect more music… 2018 the year.