There was no return to normal in 2021. In a weird, in-between year, many of us were grateful to gather again in homes, concert halls and dive bars for some much-needed spiritual sustenance. Yet the pandemic has forced us to constantly calculate risk and make adjustments to how we move about the world, and the best music of the year helped us navigate this time of buffering.

Kevin Allen being propelled back into Bay Area rap royalty with his collective Grand Nationxl

Inside a darkly lit studio at Bandcamp headquarters in downtown Oakland, a modern rap manifesto is playing over the speakers. Heads are bobbing rhythmically. Fingers are drumming knees. One listener keeps his eyes closed, entranced by the energy of it all.

Bars On I-95, Connecticut's number 1 Rap platform for your favorite Hip Hop artists. This is the home of the heavy bar spitters. This segment of the show is called “Bars On The Road” and it’s all about capturing hip hop culture in different cities through the eyes of an Artist. The culture of where they’re from and who they are, and the true essence of rap at its purest form, the BARS. We keeping it in Oakland with an underground name you may be familiar with, formerly known as Erk Tha Jerk this Oakland MC now goes by the name Kevin Allen. The rapper/producer/songwriter, with his trademark glasses, wit, and laid back persona, returns on the scene with a new project and some bars for us. If you’re a fan of hip hop he is a breath of fresh air. Tune in now for his Bars On I-95

Bay Area rapper Kevin Allen will never sell out.

In an interview with The Harvard Crimson, the rapper described his latest album “Nothing Lasts Forever” as a statement of his resolve to remain true to himself as an artist.

“Nothing Lasts Forever” was released on Oct. 29.

Episode 129 of the podcast features my GNX fam Brookfield Duece, Mani Draper and Kevin Allen sharing laughs, talking life and Kevin's new album Nothing Lasts Forever. You're sure to dig this episode so pull up, then go cop the new project. #anotherdjklyphproduction New Kevin Allen project Nothing Lasts Forever Klyph Notes is supported by Akepele Apparel