Kae Tempest — Cassette

Intro

Kae Tempest is a singular figure in contemporary British arts, successfully navigating the worlds of literature, theater, and music. Their sound identity is defined by a rigorous commitment to spoken word performance, utilizing the cadences of hip-hop and the structural depth of classical poetry.

Emerging from the London rap and slam poetry scenes, Tempest gained mainstream recognition with the Mercury Prize-nominated 'Everybody Down' (2014). Their work frequently explores themes of social alienation, mythology in the everyday, and the search for connection in late-stage capitalism. Critically, they are lauded for their technical prowess as a lyricist and their ability to translate complex emotional states into accessible, rhythmic narratives. Collaborations with producer Dan Carey have been pivotal, establishing a sonic palette of minimalist electronica that supports rather than competes with the vocals. As a trans man and non-binary artist, Tempest's later work also touches on themes of identity and transformation, maintaining a position as a vital voice in modern social commentary.

Our Catalog5 Albums · 2014 · 2025

The Book of Traps and Lessons

The Sound · Center of Gravity

Adjacent Artists

Scroobius Pip

Shares abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); spoken_word, rap, deadpan (vocal style)

Riz Ahmed

Shares conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); spoken_word, rap, narrating (vocal style)

ALDA

Shares conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); defiant, vulnerable, intense (moods)

Nayt

Shares contemplative, intense, brooding (moods); urban_night, solitude, rainy_day (atmosphere)

Propaganda

Shares conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); spoken_word, rap, deadpan (vocal style)

GRIP

Shares brooding, intense, vulnerable (moods); abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres)

Erik Lundin

Shares conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); urban_night, rainy_day, solitude (atmosphere)

George the Poet

Shares abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); spoken_word, narrating, rap (vocal style)

Willem

Shares abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop, art pop (subgenres); keys/synth, drum machine, bass (instrumentation)

Jeshi

Shares abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop, trip-hop (subgenres); urban_night, rainy_day, solitude (atmosphere)

Scroobius Pip

Shares spoken_word, social_commentary, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (signature)

Propaganda

Shares spoken_word, social_commentary, conscious hip-hop, narrating (signature)

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