Singer-songwriter AKA KELZZ emerges once more from the shadows of a stellar 2024, ready to unleash their latest sonic grenade, “WASTE CADET.” Set to ignite the airwaves today on September 17th, just ahead of their highly anticipated EU/UK tour, this track is a visceral blend of raw lyricism, Black queer rage, and a pulsating mix of Jungle and Drum & Bass that reclaims power in a world desperate for authenticity.
“WASTE CADET” isn’t just a song; it’s a potent statement of resilience and healing, diving deep into the aftermath of childhood trauma. With lines that echo the struggles of a generation, AKA KELZZ declares, “I’m slaying dragons now, don’t you see the work?” This journey of reclamation serves as a reminder that we are enough, and that the burdens of shame and guilt are not ours to carry.
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Kicking off with an intense yet warm embrace of reality, the introduction sets the stage for a sonic journey that spirals into a euphoric drop. Merging spoken word with their signature vocals, “WASTE CADET” electrifies the listener, transforming them into empowered warriors with each pulse of the beat. Standing tall, it’s about slaying those inner demons and breaking free from the chains of the past.
In AKA KELZZ’s own words, “Waste Cadet is for baby Kelzz – as an apology for ever thinking I was never enough. I will never forget the ground, because my being is what holds me to it. There is no excuse now.” This declaration reflects the track’s heart, a heartfelt bid for self-acceptance and love.
Infused with the vibrant spirit of artists like Little Simz, Nia Archives, Sampha, SHY FX, and Goldie, “WASTE CADET” is the product of a long-standing creative partnership with multi-instrumentalist Rafa Mura. Their collaboration pushes the envelope, crafting a soundscape that is as boundary-defying as it is deeply personal.
This release resonates with young Black and brown queer kids and all those who have navigated the treacherous waters of abusive homes and societal silence. It embodies a battle cry for those who’ve chosen survival over self-expression, offering much-needed visibility, healing, and truth.
At its core, “WASTE CADET” is a fierce act of reclamation. It stands as both an apology and an anthem for the inner child—the part of us often told we’re too much, too soft, or not enough. It embraces the brilliance, beauty, and fire that have always been within.
This isn’t merely music; it’s a rebellion against guilt and shame, a celebration of joy not as an escape, but as a powerful act of resistance.
In a world where everything feels transient, “WASTE CADET” emerges as a pulse that shifts the atmosphere, a call to stop running, to dismantle the walls, and above all, to come home to oneself. This is Black queer Jungle and Drum & Bass, harnessing the raw energy of survival, moving us emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The revolution is audible, and it starts here.
