Premiere: Meet Kodi Cunningham, who links up with Shadow for new single, Back In A Bit

We're endlessly going on about the heights of Perth's hip-hop space, especially its next frontier of musicians pushing things forward into the future. The next generation of West Australia's hip-hop and R&B world is one of the most exciting spaces there is; lush with talent amongst a broad mix of sounds, styles and background who together, represent the versatility and diversity of hip-hop on a larger scale - something which isn't always visible.

Perth-based rapper Kodi Cunningham is someone certainly amongst that next generation of ones-to-watch in the hip-hop world, finding his feet through singles and shows across the last two years before joining the crew at Golden Era Records; the label home to acts like the legendary Funkoars and A.B. Original. Since then, he's really stepped it up, with each single outweighing the last as he showcases his evolution and growth with a trajectory that has him picked as someone next-up - something he's been proving for much of the last year.

Now, with his new single Back In A Bit, Kodi Cunningham's imprint on hip-hop's next generation feels all but cemented in stone. It's a feature alongside Perth hip-hop royalty Shadow, capturing the brilliance of the two rappers as they interchange verses amongst a growing production that emphasises the single's heaviness; the end result seeing Kodi and Shadow glide amongst plucking melodies and thick-cut 808s, weaving in and out of the bass-heavy production as they go.

It's high-energy and full of life, injecting a bit of vigour into his discography in a way that keeps things fresh but distinctly Kodi Cunningham - even when bringing on one of Perth's most established and well-recognised rappers into the mix.

It comes alongside a video directed by Dylan Guy, which you can take a dive into below as Back In A Bit premieres on Pilerats alongside its release today. Then, underneath that, introduce yourself to Kodi Cunningham as he continues to make his name known and steps up as someone worth keeping an eye on in the year ahead, with plenty more in the pipeline.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Kodi Cunningham AKA Flames Franco haha. I grew up skateboarding, partying and making music and my lives pretty much been a roller coaster of hella highs and hella lows up until now. Nowadays, I have an EP on the way with Golden Era. I have some solid homies around me helping me create this masterpiece and it's coming along nicely.

What’s your music like? What does it sound like? What kind of themes does it usually cover?

I say my music is definitely unique and can range from trap to rock to indie style sounds and anything anywhere in between. Basically, my music is a reflection of what's going on around me or internally the stuff I'm dealing with. From partying to self-awareness and things like mental health or love. The music is documenting my journey through this crazy thing called life.

What are your production and writing processes usually like?

Sometimes when me and my homies get together in the studio they'll show me a beat they've made and within that evening in the studio we've got a track done. Thats my favourite process, when the production of the music and the lyrics are made from like feeding off each other. It's easier to write when I'm inspired by what's going on around me.

Can you tell us a bit about this new single, Back In A Bit, and its video clip?

This track is about going places haha with the crew. It's a good hype track and shout out to my brother Shadow for jumping on it cos he killed it. I think the video was a good visual for that shout out everyone who was involved that was like all my family there that day and Dylan Guy for putting that together for us! it shows we are going places and having a good time on the way ya know.

What do you have planned for 2021?

I have an EP on the way so lots of stuff will be happening with that. Maybe a few more singles then i'll drop it hehe as for right now though Back in A Bit featuring Shadow is out and its dope everyone should check it out.

What do you want people to take away from your work?

in all honesty it has alot of meaning to me, even the dumb shit I've made. I don't expect anyone to take anything away from it, but it used to be the only thing worth living for me at some stages in the past. So if anyone gets anything positive or atleast helpful to them in some way from my work hell yeah we out here living life what's good

Where can we find more of your music?

All streaming platforms including youtube, spotify, apple music etc.

Follow Kodi Cunningham: FACEBOOK