Kenzie From Welly, the rising hip hop artist known for her powerful lyrics and '90s-inspired sound, is set to release her debut album, 'Greenstone Door', on January 24th via Forever Ever. To mark the occasion, she's also dropped a brand new single and video, 'Hold Ya Head'.
'Hold Ya Head' takes a more relaxed approach than some of Kenzie's previous work, incorporating smooth R&B vibes into her signature style. The track is a deeply personal reflection on loved ones and missed opportunities, showcasing Kenzie's storytelling abilities and effortless flow.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the single, Kenzie explains, “I've been a rap fan my whole life and a huge part of that love comes from the art of storytelling. My bro Troy Samuela produced ‘Hold Ya Head’ and when I heard the space in the beat it felt like mirrors reflecting stories of loved ones. I wanted to honours the dreams they didn't get to chase.”
'Greenstone Door' was created in collaboration with Kenzie's cousin, Troy Samuela, during a period she spent living in Brisbane. The album offers a candid glimpse into Kenzie's experiences, exploring themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and the ongoing fight against colonisation.
Describing the making of the album, Kenzie says, “'Greenstone Door' was made while I was living in Brisbane (my home away from home) May-ish of 2018. The cuz Troy Samuela came to hang before he moved to L.A. We didn't know at the time what we were creating would become our process for collaborating. It always begins with Troy making a beat and looping it, I'd go off into the next room to write and by the time I'd come back to record vocals he would have another loop ready to go. Our only aim was to ditch anything we felt was boring. Fast forward 10 days and we had a 10-track album. There's been a lot of life lived since 2018 but I'm happy 'Greenstone Door' gets to roam free. I'm happy people get to start from the start with my debut album and take this adventure with me. This is for us by us.”
Born in Wellington, Aotearoa, to Māori and Samoan parents, Kenzie's upbringing, along with influences like Bones Thugs-N-Harmony and Lauryn Hill, have shaped her artistry. Her journey began with freestyling in the garage and honing her skills in her bedroom. As her confidence grew, she began collaborating with family members, including her brother Cole and cousin POETIK, a well-respected MC from Samoa. Kenzie's talents extend beyond rapping; she's also a skilled producer, engineer, and ghostwriter.
Though inspired by global events, music, and travel, Kenzie remains deeply connected to her roots. As her name suggests, Wellington is an intrinsic part of her identity, influencing her heart, soul, and music.
