Boston-based artists Kmawa and William Wallace have once again joined forces to present their latest musical venture, the captivating single “On the Low.” This track is taken from their collaborative EP, Detaching, which was released in December 2023.
Kmawa, a versatile singer, producer, and audio engineer, draws inspiration from his upbringing in a South Carolina Indian family. His exposure to a diverse range of music at home, including R&B classics from Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson, deeply influenced his musical journey. Kmawa’s exploration of music became a means of self-expression and identity formation, challenging stereotypes as a Desi artist raised in the American South, now crafting alternative R&B in Boston. On the other hand, William Wallace, an interdisciplinary artist, rapper, and producer, brings his own diverse experiences to the collaboration. Influenced by the likes of J Dilla, Kanye West, and J. Cole, Wallace’s music is characterized by soulful sample chops, smooth vocals, and introspective lyrics.
Although both have been residents of Boston for a decade, Kmawa and William Wallace only crossed paths in 2018, sparking a creative partnership that birthed memorable tracks like “Don’t Walk Away” and “Race Over Samosas”. United by their shared musical influences and a fondness for soul samples, hip-hop, and whiskey, the duo seamlessly merges their talents, creating a distinctive sound that blends ’90s hip-hop and R&B with contemporary elements.
Their latest release, “On the Low”, exemplifies their ability to craft a hopeful, laid-back, and cool hip-hop/R&B track that will resonate with fans of artists such as J. Cole, Little Brother, and Mac Miller. Accompanied by a visually captivating music video directed by Tim Barry, the song offers a sensory experience that complements its vibe.
Reflecting on the new single, Kmawa and William Wallace say, “In an industry dominated by content creators pressured to create and follow a prescribed narrative for success, happiness comes when you approach music on your own terms and take your time with it.”
“On the Low” stands as a testament to their commitment to creating authentic, genre-defying music that appeals to a broad audience. With their EP, “Detaching”, gaining momentum, the duo is poised to make a lasting impression on the music scene, challenging norms and forging a sound uniquely their own.