Kemba’s ‘Caesar’s Rise’ Video Is a Gritty Storytelling Gem

Historically, rap music video aesthetics have ranged from gritty and low-budget to overblown, movie-like productions.

Often, a burgeoning artist will resort to the camera-in-their-face-with-the-homies-in-the-background. There are good reasons for this overdone format — facial recognition is important to artists trying to break through. Neighborhood fans are often the first to evangelize on their behalf, and will be more likely to spread the gospel if they have ample cameo action.

Ever since we first came across Kemba (formerly YC The Cynic) many years ago, we knew this young talent was gong to do all of the things die-hard hip-hop fans had been clamoring for since the days of ring tone rap.

Wordplay. Check. Intelligence. Yup. Style AND substance. Youth. Respect for hip-hop history, but willingness to experiment. Songs with messages. Self-love and pride.

This string of accolades has extended to his approach to making videos to match his music, especially in the latest chapter of his bubbling career. With “The New Black Theory,” and now with “Caesar’s Rise” — both from this 2016 release Negus —you don’t see Kemba. You see a story that compliments the music, the vibe and Kemba’s seemingly insatiable desire to be better — better than others, sure, but better than his previous self. Always forward. An artist who cares about his work.

Check the newest release from Kemba, and if you haven’t already, you’ll probably start to care about his work too.