World Champion Gold – (KING SUNZ Mixtape)
World Champion Gold is the fourth mixtape released by KING SUNZ in 2020. One Cypher Music is responsible for all the publishing of the music. The mixtape was released partially with all the singles sent to radio stations and television stations before the full album release. The mixtape was exclusively released on www.kingsunz.com. The first single on the mixtape is “Shark Tank” which was released in April 2019, months after the last single titled “Zaka” on the Nettleton Road mixtape. KING SUNZ executively produced the mixtape.
Background
The mixtape was produced by KING SUNZ with all the instrumentals created on Fruityloops 10. Additional sounds, effects and plugins were downloaded in order to complete the overall sound of the mixtape.
The album was completely recorded in One Cypher Music studios in 2019. Some of the songs were initially scheduled for release as singles only, however due to the quality of the music the tracks were processed for release on the mixtape.
Unlike the gap between the release between the second and third mixtape by KING SUNZ, the period of release between Nettleton Road and World Champion Gold was very short. World Champion Gold was released due to the strength of the previous mixtape.
When asked about the album title KING SUNZ says it was inspired for his love for sports including soccer, boxing, tennis and rugby. Some of the songs were released in 2019 after the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Production of the album was conducted in multiple stages, with some of the songs produced up to four times in order to complete the overall sound required for the album.
Recording
The recording of the songs were done in Centurion and Embalenhle in South Africa by One Cypher Music CEO, KING SUNZ. The album was edited and mixed in multiple sessions. Recording of the music required additional amateur microphones which were used to create some of the tracks with distortion on the album. Songs such “Corporate Deals” and “Do My Dance” were added to the album to add a more underground hardcore element to the mixtape. The album was written in multiple stages over a period of eighteen months.
Music and lyrics
World Champion Gold is inspired by RNB and underground hip hop and South African house music with elements of ‘Gqom’ and ‘Amapiano’. The album does not have the soulful feel of Nettleton Road but is more commercial with mainstream elements to the chorus and verses of the music. Songs with notable lyrics include “Leather Loafers” and “Luxurious Things”. The instrumental skills of production shine through most on tracks like “All the Jewels” and “Custard”.
The albums lyrical content was inspired by artists like Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Kwesta, Frank Casino, Migos, Jaden Smith, ASAP Rocky and ASAP MOB. Some of the underground artists that inspired the music include Immortal Technique, Cannibal Ox, Last Emperor, Typical Cats, and Qwel.
Release and reception
World Champion Gold was released in 2019 for airplay and released for digital download on www.kingsunz.com in 2020 during different stages. The first song released was “Shark Tank”.
The cover of the album was taken as part of the clips used for the “Carnivore” video.
The artwork for the album singles was photographed by KING SUNZ during 2013 and was edited in 2019.
The album contains six tracks which were released as free downloads. Some of the tracks have distorted verses or instrumental tracks without any lyrics to add a underground element to the music.
Music Videos
The mixtape was released with ten music videos, all of which were directed by KING SUNZ. The videos include multiple themes including color schemes and technical effects.
The official music videos were released to television stations and online streaming websites worldwide. The majority of the videos were shot in Centurion, South Africa.
The videos were critically acclaimed and KING SUNZ was noted to be the best music video director in the world at the time.