Boston hip-hop heads have a reason to celebrate today, as emcee Big Dese teams up with producer Confidence to deliver their collaborative project, Kool Moe Dese. Released via Below System Records, the eight-track masterpiece is available digitally and on limited edition vinyl, with just 100 yellow and 200 black copies pressed. The album showcases their signature style, blending punchline-heavy bars with expertly crafted sample-based beats. Singles like “Strike Back” and “Melt” highlight the undeniable synergy between Dese’s sharp lyricism and Confidence’s dusty, nostalgic production. The project also features guest appearances from Oak Lonetree, Just Pete, and King Author, adding more fuel to this East Coast inferno.
Big Dese, a seasoned vet with over 20 years in the game, skillfully marries razor-sharp insults with self-aware humor throughout the album. Confidence, a fellow Massachusetts native whose production credits include icons like Edo G and The Legion, reinforces the record’s gritty authenticity with his deep-crate soundscapes powered by funk, soul, and disco influences. The duo first crossed paths decades ago, but Kool Moe Dese was born when Confidence resurrected unused vocals from Dese and reimagined them with fresh beats. Dese, known for playful wordplay in album titles, explained, “This one had such a classic hip-hop feel to it, I decided to reference a classic hip-hop figure.” Together, they’ve created a timeless addition to the Boston hip-hop canon that will resonate with fans of raw, unapologetic storytelling and expertly flipped samples. Salute to the legend Kool Moe Dee!
