Kwasi Makes A Ruckus On Defiant Single ‘Troublemaker’ And Announces Debut Album

There are artists who colour inside the lines, and then there’s Kwasi. A proud misfit, he thrives on pushing against expectations and bending the rules. Armed with distorted hip-hop grit with his ego-tripping stridency, the Naarm/Melbourne artist makes a ruckus with his new single, ‘Troublemaker’, out Wednesday, July 15.

Nationally and internationally acclaimed with a stack of singles and EP releases under his belt, Kwasi announces his debut album, ‘Outstanding MISFIT’, set for release on Friday, October 16. 

With a career marked by widespread industry recognition, he has also supported notable artists such as Genesis Owusu, Illy, and 360, secured various synchronisation deals, and formed brand partnerships with companies including 1800 Tequila, Converse, and G-SHOCK.  

Laced with ego and intensity, ‘Troublemaker’ drops the mask of expectation, finding confidence within distortion and heavy bass, but the track’s lure extends further than its sonic intrigue.

Having grown up in rural Australia, Kwasi finds himself drawing inspiration from counterculture and defying expectations of his surroundings. Skillfully incorporating his love for skateboarding, film, music and street culture – these outward forces push Kwasi’s expert storytelling ability and raw rebellious energy further than ever before in ‘Troublemaker’. 

Produced by formidable beatmaker Paco Laprod, ‘Troublemaker’ is a pure shot of adrenaline, driven by gritted teeth, sirens, flashing lights and relentless momentum. With a perpetual sense of urgency, the track’s enveloping syncopation and hypnotic rhythm exude a cool, calm aggression. 

These elements fuel the song’s misfit spirit as it explores saying ‘f*** it’ and embraces the title of ‘Troublemaker’ as both an accusation and a badge of honour. The track blurs the lines between disillusionment and self-acceptance, suggesting that sometimes one must lose themselves to find themselves, with Kwasi stating: 

“I often feel like I’m looking in from the outside. That feeling of alienation became the foundation of my upcoming album, Outstanding MISFIT. ‘Troublemaker’ takes a darker turn. Instead of searching for acceptance, it’s about the decision to embrace being misunderstood, blurring the line between artist and alter-ego.”  

Fierce, honest, reckless and hypnotic, ‘Troublemaker’ pushes the boundaries of hip-hop and alternative music to the brink. Get out there and cause a ruckus when Kwasi’s ‘Troublemaker’ releases Wednesday, July 15, ahead of his debut album ‘Outstanding MISFIT’, due October 16.

Praise For Kwasi

‘Ready To Go’ and ‘POISON’ – Played on Triple J

‘Motions’ Added to Apple Music’s New in Hip-Hop

‘Gold On Her Tongue’ Added to Apple Music’s Aussie Hip-Hop

“Kwasi’s ‘LIT!’ Is A Bold Moment of Experimentation” (CLASH)

“Propelled by unwavering and fearless energy, the track surges forth, igniting a fire within and leaving no room for apologies.” (AAA Backstage) 

“Emotions, grit and late night confessions all collide on this one!” (Declan Byrne, Triple J) 

“Don’t know what I was expecting from this single but holy moly this is great! Kwasi is charged up and packs a punch!” (Anika Luna, Triple J)