Bloody Genuine Lovestruck Hip Hop

Kobi Onyame has been buzzing around the London hip hop shadows for about two years — dropping a debut album, appearing at T in the Park, collaborating with Sway –  but now the Ghana-born, UK-based MC is extending his  tentacles onto the world radar. His new video for “Protect Myself” (featuring Young Fathers singer G) is the latest off his LP Green Green Grasses, with the single slated for release Jan. 15. And frankly, you’ve never seen hip hop so lovelorn before.

While the song production is laden with Golden Age familiarity, there’s no pomp in Kobi’s image. The video tells a story of a relatively normal guy who fell in love with the wrong girl. We don’t know what’s wrong with her (well, besides the fact that she put on way too much mascara before she started crying), all we know is that Kobi is trapped, and that the trap is deadly.

But “Protect Myself” isn’t hackneyed “baby please” fare. The man is really suffering and pleading for his sanity. G’s strained vocals come from the pit of genuine, sophisticated despair, and Kobi is left literally beaten to a pulp. It’s humble stuff. And really, is there anyone who can’t relate?

You can stream the entire album, featuring outstanding London R&B and hip hop talent. In the meantime, watch “Protect Myself” and put Kobi on your 2011 Must-Listen List.

Image Courtesy of Kobi Onyame