Words by Rena Hoshino
This week we take a look at Carter Ace, a 5-piece hip-hop band fronted by Cameroonian-American artist O’Neil Carter, who specialise in delivering a unique fusion of jazz, rap, and R&B.
Hip-hop band Carter Ace had been creating music since 2015 before they found success with their 2018 single ‘I Think I’m Normal’, amassing over 11 million streams on Spotify to date. It’s no surprise: with their debut album The Manhattan Project (released on Bandcamp), Carter Ace have had a distinct sound right from the beginning.
Having grown up with parents who were also artists, Carter Ace frontman O’Neil Carter’s music taste was heavily influenced by “African music, salsa music, everything that was just rhythm”, as well as a healthy dose of hip-hop upon entering middle school. D’Angelo, Nishwakie and Asiatica are sources of inspiration for Carter Ace’s music and, listening to songs like ‘Griffith Park’, it’s clear that smooth melodies and ambience form the bedrock of their sound. The layering of instrumentals with Carter’s singing is artfully done, often highlighting the talent he wields when both singing and rapping .
Although they are yet to release a full album, the band’s EPs so far contain plenty of promise: from the addictive guitar chords of ‘Where’s Yo Mind’ found on Music’s Better Than People, to the punchy and angsty ‘He’s Alive’, the band leans into any and all sounds, crossing the borders between rap, R&B, and funk.
The One and Lonely EP boasts not only a narrative arc focused on seeking recognition and wanting to move on from the hurt of the past, it’s also a self-reflective artwork that encourages introspection. Carter Ace’s witty and well-written lyrics form a narrative of uncertainty that connects artist and listener– life is uncertain and difficult, but we’re never alone in feeling that way.
O’Neil Carter does a wonderful job of executing the vocals whilst also producing behind the scenes. Their production and general emphasis on instrumentals make Carter Ace invigorating in their cross-genre interplay. Their portfolio is already extensive, chock-full of numerous collaborations with other talented artists that will leave you eager for more. The future is bright for Carter Ace, as they continue to release demos, feeling out their ever-changing and eclectic sound that continues to keep us in awe and admiration.