in review of Nosebleed by Gaccu

In Review: Nosebleed by Gaccu

Just this year, East & 47 artist Gaccu has consistently put out a healthy mix of quantity and quality, bringing his Soundcloud catalog to major DSPs. In June, he released ‘Nosebleed’, a collection of 7 tracks inspired by hip-hop styles from all around, including UK drill, plugg, rage and trap. Most of the tracks feature two artists he often collaborates with — Gazahoti and K1. With a total runtime of 16 minutes, 46 seconds, Gaccu delivers a quick but memorable compilation that has left fans wanting more.

The first track on the record, “certified trapper”, highlights his personal experience trapping in 47 (Nairobi), and narrates a hectic and dangerous but profitable lifestyle that shapes his everyday life. The lyricism in this track leans towards rhythmic and catchy phrasing, while still being relatable to his audience.

“militant steppa”, track two on the record, features both Gazahoti and K1, where Gaccu delivers a catchy hook at the beginning and end of the track, with extended feature verses throughout the middle of the track. In a way, Gaccu allows the features to shine the most in this song, but does his part in introducing it and bringing it home, which solidifies the three way collaboration.

In “netherwurld”, Gaccu brings back his solo flows, in a rage-inspired track with atmospheric synths and a hissing bass—characteristic of the production in most of his songs, credited to ‘Wednesday’. The production of the song is likely what inspires the song’s title, defined in the line, “Raps deep, tuko netherwurld // hizi mtara paranormal”.

Following the shortest track in the project is the longest, and arguably the best track, flow-wise, in the record — “yessir”, featuring Gazahoti. This track takes us back to trap influences, with a repetitive melody that keeps the groove going and separates sections; using a higher and lower octave version of the melody. Producer Wednesday didn’t tell the audience, but more so showed that simplicity is key.

In most of this record, Gaccu is highlighting the intensity of his lifestyle, and track five, “donga”, makes a bold statement for himself in 47, carrying the theme of trapping and a dangerous but lively lifestyle. This is done with a feature from Gazahoti once again—the second of a three track feature run.

The theme is continued even in the title of the penultimate song of the record, “streets been hectic”. It’s much more narrative and descriptive here, highlighting his experience with altercations with different opps, notably other rappers, in various ends of Nairobi and its environs, like Ronga and Syoki. This track serves as proof of his lifestyle, as everything he mentions is done in much more detail and with personal experience in this track.

Lastly, we have “lock’d in”, featuring K1. Here, he highlights his love for making music in the primary bar, “niko lock’d in na Fruity Loops”. Primary themes such as trapping and his dominance in rap are also brought back to close this record out.

I would be remiss not to mention Gazahoti’s skill in writing punchlines in his raps, which bring a lot of character to the tracks in this record.

Overall, the record communicates the ties between a lifestyle of trapping in Nairobi to rap culture and aspirations. His consistent output of music despite the hectic lifestyle speaks volumes on what rap means to him, his peers, and his audience. It’s a solid record, giving a new perspective on this genre of music.