For Kenny Mason, the stage is more than just a platform for performance; it is a sanctuary. The Atlanta-based artist, known for his high-octane live shows and genre-bending sound, describes his touring experience as a form of church. While his mosh pits are legendary for their intensity, Mason insists they are spaces of profound safety and communal worship. “No one ever gets hurt, ever,” he notes, reflecting on the spiritual connection he shares with his audience.
This sense of spirituality permeates his latest project, BULLDAWG. Growing up in Atlanta’s Zone 4, Mason was shaped by a complex tapestry of influences—from the aggressive, eerie rap of Tupac to the gospel traditions instilled by his grandmothers. This duality of light and dark, of grit and grace, defines the sonic landscape of his new work.
Finding Identity in Sound
Mason’s journey to BULLDAWG was one of introspection and necessary isolation. “I had to discover who I really was to even make it,” he explains. By stepping back from the pressures of being a “consumed product,” he was able to craft a project that feels authentically his. The album serves as a testament to his growth, blending his signature rap-rock aesthetic with newfound vulnerability and a deeper exploration of love as a creative force.
The album features a stellar lineup of collaborators, including JID and Dominic Fike. On the track “TEST ME,” Mason reunites with JID, describing their chemistry as “evil debauchery vibes.” Meanwhile, his collaboration with Fike on “HEY OPERATOR” addresses the heaviness of the current world, offering a moment of raw, grounded honesty.
A New Chapter in Rap-Rock
Beyond the lyrical depth, BULLDAWG marks a technical milestone for Mason as he incorporates his own guitar playing into the production. Inspired by artists like Shane Moran, Mason chose to bypass formal training in favor of developing a unique, personal style. This DIY ethos extends to his perspective on the industry, where he continues to challenge the boundaries of what a Black artist in the rock space is expected to be.
Ultimately, BULLDAWG is about the distinction between surviving and overcoming. As Mason puts it, “To survive something is just the bare minimum. I don’t want anything to have that power over me. I want to overcome it.” With this project, he has done exactly that, cementing his place as one of the most compelling voices in modern music.
dis album saved my life ! fuck ya paid lists and paid opinions ! dis mf da one ! BULLDAWG OVER EVERYTHING
