Rapid-rising London-based/ LA-bred artist Kuma Overdose returns to the soundsphere with captivating new single “Can’t Afford Me” — his fifth official release of the year.

“Can’t Afford Me” emerges as the first single from Kuma’s highly-anticipated project coming later this year, delivering raw, anecdotal tales that immediately define his talent – his unique tone and seemingly ambivalent cadence luring the listener in only to stun with sharp wordplay. Sitting over an atmospheric, ethereal instrumental, Kuma serves up a snapshot of his creative prowess and proves to be a fitting introduction that looks to launch the LA-native into significant international music conversations.

Having already collaborated with UK hotshot Mushkilla and performed alongside the likes of underground rap trailblazer Lord Apex in Shanghai, Rico Nasty, Jnr Choi and Bktherula, Kuma Overdose is feeling like an artist continuing to hone in on a unique, genre-bending sound which can be recognised as his own — and “Can’t Afford Me” points to a new milestone for one of the most exciting artists in the scene.

Since releasing his debut single “Jaja Kuma” in 2018, the multi-faceted talent has gone on to self-produce and write all his own output — carving out his own distinct aesthetic and sound following the acclaim of “MINTIA” and “Bike Lane”, the latter amassing close to 2M Spotify plays. With millions of streams across all digital platforms and garnering critical acclaim from key international tastemakers such as HIGHSNOBIETY and WONDERLAND MAGAZINE, it is clear as to why Kuma is heralded as one of the most important emerging Asian artists and producers of the last few years.

Kuma Overdose sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Someone bet me that I couldn’t become a musician with my Asian parents’ approval, and I just went with it.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

D’Angelo, Partynextdoor, and Herbie Hancock.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Gonna roll out a whole tape slowly, because you know patience is always the key.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Like an iced americano on a Tuesday morning.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

There was this one time when people just started singing my song during a gig. Never gotten that many goosebumps before.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

It’s like a fart. Never force it or shit will come out.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Stanford Lin.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

The best of Daudi Kabaka.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Golf golf golf.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Electricity, Iqos, and milo.