LARWOOD & KOH - Lungs (Single)
Prepare to go on an adventure with the duo LARWOOD & KOH with their alternative brand of Hip-Hop as they release their latest single ‘Lungs’. A hard-hitting track which is
laced with intricate flows and poignant lyricism. Coming off the back of ‘Goldmine’ which is playful, energetic and fun. Whereas ‘Lungs’ has a very important message and has a darker, gritty tone just showing their versatility. These two have shaped themselves into a place where they are refining the Hip-Hop scope.
Discussing their new release and the story behind the track, LARWOOD explains: “Lungs began as a song about only needing breath to achieve what you want to achieve. The hook that became ‘all I got’s this air in my lungs’ acted as a promise that, while I have that, I won’t stop. However, KOH added a beat shift and the first thing that came in to my mind Eric Garner’s words ‘I can’t breathe’ and, subsequently, a conversation I’d had with a friend of mine after George Floyd’s murder. The song then developed into an examination of my own privilege and a reminder to myself of how to be an ally for anti-racism. Luke Pierre, whose experiences are referenced in the song, directed the music video featuring actors Cudjoe Asare and Carl Ellis. All proceeds from the song will be donated to charities that support black communities.”
Discussing the creative process, KOH explains: “Wanted to create an eerie track with a sense of mystery behind it. Layering hard hitting 808’s and plenty of drum tops on it gave the track movement. Larwood’s vocal hook came first which set the perfect scene for the track. Exactly the direction I wanted to go with that track. Quoting Nike air force ones and lungs. Both gave the suspenseful feel I felt when creating the beat.”
Discussing from the Director viewpoint Luke Pierre explains: “I first heard Lungs in June 2021, and after the first listen my ears immediately pricked up. The beat and the flow easily won my attention, but it was Larwood’s message that grabbed me. The lyrics are laden with themes of community, hard work and action – which I get excited about. The abrupt turn of the final verse, and his directness in calling for active, positive and relentless contribution to dismantling racial inequality was beautiful to hear - and hearing it coming from a non-black artist reminded me how crucial it is for white audiences to hear these messages from white artists too. He asked me to both direct & write the video in response to the song, and here we are now. The video follows the story of a keen amateur athlete training for his boxing competition, but his feet are planted between two worlds: The world of sport - community, hard work, pain and gain – and the world of bigotry, media circus and structural racism. I wanted to explore the fight between the inner mind vs the outside world through that contrast, and for the physicality throughout the video to be a visual mirror and reminder of unrelenting work that we all must do (on ourselves & together) to overcome racism.
Ultimately, the lungs video is rooted in themes of hard work, community, and the goal of being the best you can be – for yourself, for others and for the goal of progress itself. At it’s core it’s a call for action on racial inequality. Both the track and the video are a reaction to the constant, relentless, collective effort to rejecting structural racism, and our own personal responsibility for action. To me, people should treat the work like physical exercise, like athletic training. There is a goal in sight and we won’t get it unless we all sweat for it. Anti-racism should be like a calisthenics for the soul, a society-wide circuit training that we do together and by ourselves. Like the last line of the track, this video hopefully reminds people watching: Use your lungs, don’t get complacent.”
LARWOOD’s versatile flow and honest lyrical presence complement KOH’s varied production. Though heavily influenced by US boom-bap, their music remains distinctly English with grime and UK rap underpinning their sound. The duo have had airplay on Chuck D's show 'And You Don't Stop' from the ground-breaking hip-hop group Public Enemy. They have also been praised for their visuals such as ‘AXIS’ which has won Best Director & Best Editor at the Music Video Underground Festival in Paris and The Wordplay Session Lungs which has racked up over 17k views.
LARWOOD & KOH’s upcoming project is not one to be missed, as they continue to make waves and shake things up for an exciting future ahead.
Be sure to follow LARWOOD & KOH for the latest. Their music - including Lungs available to stream now.
