Meanjin’s own Denzel Kennedy is gearing up for a significant new chapter, offering a compelling glimpse into his upcoming album, 'The Lucky Ones', with the release of the dynamic single, ‘1997’. Having already built a solid reputation through his captivating live shows and a steady stream of releases including full-length projects 'IDEL' and 'Devote ur Heart', Kennedy demonstrates a clear progression in his artistry.

‘1997’ immediately stands out as a powerful showcase of Kennedy’s lyrical prowess and engaging performance style. It’s a track that expertly fuses a confident demeanour with a clear artistic vision. For newcomers, this single serves as an ideal entry point to one of Australia’s East Coast hip-hop talents, leaving a lasting impression with its bold delivery.

Kennedy himself describes ‘1997’ as a blend of his "playful, witty side with that over the top braggadocious style of rap." He explains that the song "stands as a statement of my confidence as a rapper but also sticks to the theme of reflecting on my journey in life and music in recent years."

The track dives into the "highs and lows of the rap game as an up-and-coming Australian artist," offering a candid, yet entertaining, perspective. For Kennedy, music has always been a form of escape and self-expression. He notes, “Music has always been a form of catharsis for me. Talking about my life in a way that makes the not-so-fun seem fun, and keeping in check with the realities I face have always been at the forefront of my writing. ‘1997’ was a track that as soon as I heard the beat play, the song came to me.”

'The Lucky Ones' promises to be a deeply personal reflection, with Kennedy investing three years of experiences, insights, and narratives into this collection of songs. The album is a project born from genuine purpose and a clear drive for artistic and personal evolution.

Regarding the forthcoming album, Kennedy shares, “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. The album fuses that strong-tone with a mix of trap, boom-bap and jazz-rap beats to tell the full story.”

For more, find Denzel Kennedy on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.