Kenyan rapper Groovy Jo drops second EP Pressure

The collection, which is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms, follows her full-length collab effort Shrappin Rage with burgeoning Nairobi rapper Asum Garvey.

On Pressure, Groovy Jo is confident as ever on cuts like ‘Flex’ which espouses the importance of self-esteem. This is in essence the story of Groovy Jo as shares her journey, striving to prove she is the best and her growing presence in the industry.

The title track ‘Pressure’ sees Groovy Jo battling weighty emotions such as doubt, anxiety, internal and external expectations, and like an alchemist converting them to positives and focusing on looking forward rather than letting them hold her back from living her best life.

The nine-track record is an experimental effort for the ADF Family-housed artist, and showcases the phenomenal growth in her songwriting, composing, arranging and beat selection abilities.

“Pressure is more sentimental as I show a bit of my vulnerability and explore that side of myself,” Groovy Jo said. “Pressure also marks a bit of growth in my sound and in my writing as well. Groovy Way (2021) was me coming out and trying to prove myself as a rapper and it was one hard bar song after another.

“Nothing really toned down. With Shrappin Rage, it was just me and my brother trying out a sound we both have never explored. With Pressure, it’s my vulnerable side, it’s the side that I was never really comfortable showing.

“I want [listeners] to relate to me as I talk about being in love, falling in love, falling out of love, and just at the end of the day enjoying and living life to the fullest.”

Overall, the project displays subtlety but tracks such as ‘Today’ are packed with brazen lyricism, tenacity, ferocity and visceral production – an aspect that has endeared her to sharp music lovers. Cuts such as the Luigi-produced ‘More’ also see Groovy Jo switching up the tempo into a more electronic and dance vibe, with the Justin Timberlake-sampled record allowing her to be playful with her music again.

For guests, Groovy Jo engaged the services of Nairobi’s alt scene balls of fire Vallerie Muthoni and KVLI, as well as South Africa’s spitori rapper Buzzi Lee. Production credits go to K6, Luigi and consistent Kenyan producer and beatsmith Lemario.