PRESS
LADYGUNN
JUNE 2022
“The Song Exposes The Stress To Which We Are Subjected As A Society, The Need To Fit Into Lifestyles That Have Been Imposed To A Certain Extent And Offers The Opportunity To Open Our Eyes To Reflect On It.”
EARMILK
June 22, 2022
"Sonically, "Normal Sucks" fuses hip-hop, trap and pop for a thrilling sonic journey full of surprises. Dark beats pulsate under quirky synths and unapologetic rhythms full of intensity and passion. The listener can't help but dance along with the music inspiring them to embrace their true selves in the process."
THE WORD IS BOND
June 21, 2022
“Eclectic artist Sugi Dakks pushes the envelope in his new song “Normal Sucks” which strays from the usual with its off-kilter experimental production and bravado raps that detail the theme exceptionally. The production is vibrant, cinematic, and blends dark synths with hard-hitting trap drums. Sugi Dakks is in his element too and shows us why he rather goes against the norm and implores the weirdoes and non-conformist to embrace themselves.”
RIVAL MAG
June, 17 2022
"Sugi's new release is without a doubt one of the most unconventional rap songs I've listened to in quite a while. It feels very off-the-wall and uniquely textured with hints of "ethnic" (for lack of a better term) rhythmic patterns that paint a very colorful picture of what must have informed such a composition in his head. Even as the hook comes in, rather than sticking to something a bit more traditionally catchy melodic structure, he opts to briefly acid-wash that part of the song and distort his own vocals, literally slowing things down as he asks the audience "Why you trynna be normal?" almost inducing a moment of psychedelic introspection. Why be "normal" indeed?"
GRIMY GOODS
June 2022
"Ushering in a state of non-conformity, L.A.-based artist, Sugi Dakks hits a home run for the misfits with his new single “Normal Sucks.” Combining hard hitting rap beats with an unconventional production, “Normal Sucks” let’s loose and makes you want to dance like no one is watching. The new single comes as a celebration of the unconventional individual and a push to make life what you want it to be, not what others tell you it is."
SUBBA CULTURE
28th October, 2020
“Over the last few years, US artist Sugi Dakks has shown himself to be more of a chameleon on the new music scene than most. Blending between rapper and poet, artist and activist, his approach to music has always been about inviting new and diverse cultures to inspire his sound, and this is exactly the direction we get when we switch onto his latest EP 'Deeply Rooted'.”
COME HERE FLOYD
OCTOBER, 2020
“Off of ‘Deeply Rooted’, Sugi Dakks offers ‘Not The Only One’. An intense fervent of emotions and descriptive accounts, the poetry depicted in spoken word, it pacifies none as it rolls through like a storm.”
VENTS MAGAZINE
OCTOBER, 2020
“Following on from the huge success of his previous single ‘Colors’, which landed on Tidal’s Rising Hip-Hop playlist, and recent brass-filled jam ‘Cynicism’, as well as becoming the first ever artist to be invited to perform on Sofar Sounds Virtual Tour, LA-based singer and songwriter Sugi Dakks now returns to deliver his eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Deeply Rooted’, led up by the new lead single ‘Not The Only One’.”
MUSIC CROWNS
“Filled a rich mix of soul, hip-hop, and funk throughout, ‘Deeply Rooted’ makes for a fun yet emotional journey. Flipping between upbeat and toe-tapping jams, and more raw and political offerings, this new release sets him on a serious path to becoming your next favourite artist.”
GIGsoup
“From the very start, ‘Deeply Rooted’ sets itself two separate goals; one that makes you want to dance, and one that makes you think. And while there is some crossover with these two guises within the same songs, much of this collection is about capturing the sound of Black America right now. One that still wants to live and create a joyous world for themselves, despite all the aggression and persecution their lives are currently filled with.”
ROCKDAFUQOUT
“As an artist that always looks to bring a bold and vibrant sound to everything he creates, ‘Deeply Rooted’ looks to cement that legacy with its fresh and intoxicating sound. Channeling the bright and soaring aesthetic of the classic funk and soul styles, before blending it with his own unique hip-hop flow, his new collection is a strong and powerful endeavour that shines with positive and reassuring energy.”
GET IT SHARED
“‘Deeply Rooted’ is an EP that explores my personal identity, the identity of others, and how we come to shape our identities. When it comes to racism, self-hatred, prejudice, bias, discrimination, and all forms of inequality, all of these are deeply ingrained in our society and deeply ingrained in most everyones personal story. Through this EP, I was able to share my story of how I viewed myself, how it differed from the viewpoints of my peers and the general society, and how bigotry is such a destructive engine that ruins people’s lives, livelihood, and self-worth.”
WASTED ATTITUDE
“Sugi Dakks is the brainchild of Kyle Donald, originally from Lakeport, California and now based in Los Angeles. A college graduate in Jazz Piano and Cuspi National Slam Poetry finalist, his dual interests in poetry and music merged into the jazz-tinged hip-hop sound that is Sugi Dakks.”
FLEX
“Infused with a sense of urgency, ‘Deeply Rooted’ feels like a much needed collection of indefinable soundscapes that while maintaining an upbeat atmosphere within each and every track also tackles some of the most difficult topics of this very difficult year. Completely captivating, and entirely electrifying.”
This Song Is Sick
Sugi’s delivery is so soulful and rides that fine line between rapping and singing; something I’ve only ever heard from Anderson .Paak. “Crazy” just has that perfect amount of bounce mixed with funk and truly puts Sugi on a whole new level.