Brisbane's own Denzel Kennedy has unveiled 'The Lucky Ones', an album that marks a significant evolution for the hip hop artist. Stepping into a new chapter, Kennedy delivers a collection of tracks that are both revealing and artistically ambitious, showcasing a confident blend of diverse sonic influences and raw, honest storytelling. This record finds Kennedy reaching a new, truly fulfilled peak in his creative journey.
'The Lucky Ones' defies easy categorisation, refusing to be confined by preconceived notions of Australian hip hop. From the classic beats that propel openers like ‘The Lucky Ones’ and ‘Under The Same Sky’ to the jazzy, soulful rhythms of ‘Innalude’ and ‘Calculated’, the album vividly reflects Kennedy's wide-ranging musical palette. Listeners will spot threads of inspiration from luminaries such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and even the laid-back groove of Malibu-era Anderson .Paak, further solidifying Denzel Kennedy’s position as a prominent and compelling voice on the East Coast.
Recorded in Brisbane with engineer Mitaru McGaughey, 'The Lucky Ones' provided Kennedy with a space to reflect deeply on his experiences growing up and navigating life in Australia as an Indigenous Australian. The resulting music is a powerful blend of heartfelt emotion and sharp wit, with humour woven deftly into his bars. Ultimately, it’s this unvarnished honesty that makes 'The Lucky Ones' such a captivating listen.
"Tonally, this is the first time I’ve sat down and thought, “What do I want to write about?”, before starting these tracks. Generally, I’ve made music that I like sonically and haven’t given much thought into what I want the audience to hear or feel after listening," Kennedy shared. "The album is the culmination of my three years in the music industry and the first time I feel like I’ve really been myself in my music. There’s a purpose to every line and every song, some more explicit than others, but at the end of the day, this is exactly what I wanted people to know about me and who I am.”
The album’s title itself speaks volumes. 'The Lucky Ones' is a thoughtful exploration of Kennedy's ongoing artistic and personal journey. By delving into how past experiences have shaped his present worldview, Kennedy has cultivated a unique perspective, which feeds directly into the genesis of the album’s title. “The album is a thinking-out-loud reflection on what it means to grow up as Indigenous Australian. My perspective is as unique as the next, and the title ‘The Lucky Ones’ stems from the belief that my upbringing was that of great privilege compared to the upbringing many Indigenous Australians face and are still facing in 2025.”
Denzel Kennedy’s ascent has been steadily gaining national traction. With over 100,000 streams across major digital platforms and strong playlist support from Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, his presence is undeniable. He's also cultivated a significant TikTok following, with his music soundtracking over 2 million videos. Live, Kennedy has commanded stages supporting acts like Horrorshow and Tasman Keith, drawing crowds with a natural stage presence reminiscent of artists such as Joey Bada$$ and J. Cole. Fans can look forward to experiencing 'The Lucky Ones' live in September, as Denzel prepares for a performance at BIGSOUND, featuring a full band for the first time – a must-see event for both new and long-time followers.
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