leven kali

Leven Kali is a fairly new face on the scene for most of us but he’s been working with big names (Casey Veggies, Thundercat, Parliament Funkadelic’s Ricky Rouse, Jojo) that you only get to even call by first name as if he’s been putting out music for years. The California singer, songwriter, and producer is attending UC Riverside for business and media studies. His D1 golf career is on haitus so that he can deliver disco, funk, and R&B infused goodness to your preferred method of playing music. This is the type of music that drug dealers dismiss in public but secretly put on the stereo when they’re alone and dance to, with their trap queen.

Expect much more from the 20 year old in the near and distant future. - The Source

Leven Kali is a neo-funk artist that recently popped up on EARMILK’s radar with his sensual banger, “Rather Be Alone,” featuring fellow Los Angeles native Casey Veggies. Recently, the Santa Monica crooner released his debut project, 4102, which boasts features by Topaz Jones, Zack Sekoff, Jojo, and Sydney Jay. In addition, production features the likes of Thunder Cat, Taylor Mackall, Nick Kennerly, and legendary bass player Ricky Rouse. Despite the many producers and artists that contributed to 4102, Kali co-produced each track on the project as well as handled all the top lining himself. That said, Kali being a multi-faceted musician, informs the listener of the equally eclectic nature of his artistry.
4102’s sound could best be defined as a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, soul, r&b, and of course, funk. The sonic essence of the tape is exemplified by the tape’s standout track, “The Wave,” which features New Jersey-based rapper, Topaz Jones. “The Wave” starts out with a synchronized, pulsating, synth accompanied by Kali’s silky, smooth vocals that make for a mesmerizing sequence. Just as Kali’s vocal drop off, the synth mentioned above begins to pulsate faster and faster eventually building up to a crazy verse by Topaz Jones. In his verse, the 23-year old rapper rattles off a barrage of colorful metaphorical quips and allusions all in the span of 32 bars. Kali’s vocals then sweep into action as the trip-hop production transitions into a funkdelic soundscape with a dashing organ melody and a groovy baseline. “The Wave” is not the only track on 4102 that contains a genre changing transition as evident by another stand-out cut on the project, “September.” The track starts out with a sultry, r&b melody by the neo-funk artist that quickly picks up with the help of a funky baseline and keyboard harmony. The bassline and keyboard melody eventually blossoms into a sonically, gorgeous bridge that features the lovely vocals of Sydney Jay. Ultimately, the project reaches its funkadelic pinnacle with the track, “The One,” which is one of the best disco-inspired tracks I have heard in recent years.
Now, I know this is quite the statement, but I believe that Leven Kali’s 4102 is one of the most refreshing projects to come out in 2015. With his debut project being arguably just as fun and enthralling as Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has the potential to take the neo-funk sound to new heights and revive funk all together. Let’s just hope there is a Jamie XX “The One” remix in the future because that is the only way I see this tape being any better. - Earmilk

Leven Kali is a 20 year-old kid out of California whose parents are both musically involved: his mother is a vocal coach and singer while his father, Wyzard, is a bass player and a founding member of the legendary funk band Mother’s Finest. “CWYB” is proof that the funk is strong with their son, too, and that’s saying something when your dad’s name is Wyzard. It’s a summery earworm of a single that’s ready to make its debut at your poolside cook-out.

Kali’s project, 4102, is dropping soon with contributions from Thundercat, among others. We’ll keep you posted on any developments but for now, head over to Leven’s Soundcloud for more from the fresh voice and download “C.W.Y.B.” below. - Pigeons & Planes

DopeHouse meet Leven Kali, a 20-year-old musician hailing from Santa Monica, CA. Currently attending UC Riverside – where he plays Division 1 golf – Leven's passion for music derived at a young age. His father, Wyzard, founded and played bass for world-renowned band, Mothers Finest, while his mother was a vocal teacher and singer.

Drumming and playing instruments his entire life, Leven only recently started contributing his talents to actual music. Already building a working resume that consists of funk legend Ricky Rouse, Casey Veggies, Thundercat, Beshken and others.

Today, with intentions to fuse his father's funk influences with his love for hip hop and R&B, he's making his 2DBZ debut with his new single, "C.W.Y.B. (Chillin' With Yo B*tch)." The lead single off the Cali native's upcoming 4102 project w/ contributions from Thundercat (bass), JoJo (vocals), Taylor Mackall (keys), Nick Kennerly (violin) and Zack Sekoff (raps).

"This track is actually one of the first beats I've ever made." Leven reveals to 2DBZ. "I started with those chords and that bassline and it sounded like a p funk kind of jam. Over time it just turned into a song. Taylor Mackall added that piano drop and we got some dope features and it feels good now. I think a lot of people can vibe with it. this is kind of the way 4102 was formed. we just went into the studio and made songs the way we felt that night - 4102 be more of a compilation. A more cohesive project is for sure being cooked up."
Vibe out with "Chillin' With Yo B*tch" below and be sure to venture to Kali's SoundCloud page. If you peek around you'll find a few gems spread throughout. - 2DopeBoyz