“Need My Room”
Up and coming Kansas City group TNTLKP (Teaching Numerous Territories with Love, Knowledge, & Peace) released their newest track, “Need My Room,” on August 25. The single was released in anticipation of their album, Dinural, coming soon. TNTLKP features 6 artists – J-Rod, Romiiie Rome, Scr3amz, d0lo, Edubb, and Shon Antuan. Each member brings their own style and lived experience, and the unique line up allows TNTLKP to experiment with different styles of music, blending together genres like hip hop, R&B, electronic, and soul.
TNTLKP’s repertoire historically skews towards deep, lush colors, but “Need My Room” takes the group in a different direction. Instead, this track is bright and fun. A countermelody dances behind the vocals, the timbre like a mix between a marimba and a pan flute. It’s combined with a deep, bass-y drumbeat to keep the rhythm in the track, while adding an almost flirtatious levity. There is something warm and cozy about the instrumentals, too, which fits the message of “Need My Room.” Crooning that they’re “way too gone” and “been here too long,” the lyrics make it clear that they are ready to retreat to the tranquility of their room.
Throughout several of their tracks, TNTLKP uses a healthy amount of autotune as a stylistic choice on their vocal lines. It fits in well with the synthetic instruments, as if the whole track takes place in an out-of-body experience. “Need My Room” ends with a long fade out, signifying that they’ve made it home, and found the peace they were searching for. The final 45 seconds switch to what sounds like a pre-recorded freestyle session, R&B beat and piano flourishes.
If you’re looking for an alternative take on hip hop that packs their work with hidden gems, then TNTLKP is the group for you. Check them out, and make sure to keep an eye out for the release date of Dinural.
