Today, 10K reveals the video for their lead single, "Safe and Sound" from the duo's debut EP Tropical Fantasy.
10K consists of Bronx, NYC singer-songwriter 10ille, who has laid hooks for rappers like The Cool Kids and Fat Tony and released several solo projects on her own, and Texas-born and Atlanta-raised producer GLDN EYE, whose credits include Fat Tony, Agent Sasco, BOYSLASHFRIEND a.k.a. Shan. The two have now planted roots in Portmore, Jamaica layering ethereal sounds that evoke rhythms from hip hop, soul and bossa nova.
Both of Jamaican ancestry, 10K have grown their musical relationship through living on the island over the past five years. Their adoration for Jamaica’s native plants and wildlife is a core theme of “Safe and Sound.” 10ille’s voice floats gently through twinkling synthesizer chords by GLDN EYE, transporting listeners to a euphoric oasis.
Watch their self-directed video for "Safe and Sound" from Tropical Fantasy. The visual is filmed by Asadenaki and KickGameRickJames.
In addition to "Safe and Sound," their new 7-track EP Tropical Fantasy is choc-full of imaginative moments. On “Street Lullaby,” 10K reframes the image of a treacherous neighborhood in a palpable way that a child could understand. “It is a song that I wrote thinking about my nephew who’s from The Bronx, as I am, and just explaining some of the things that identifies where we’re from. So, the street magicians that’s hard on their luck, the people shooting dice on the corner, the dukes from our courts, ain't tryin' to hear our sorts, that goes without saying,” explains 10ille. GLDN EYE’s synth chord changes, and tick-tocking percussion calmly sways back and forth like a rocking chair. “Dry” is another standout track where 10K laments a relationship gone cold and barren, and rain is the only restoration. “Make Believe,” is an acoustic guitar laden outro co-produced by Benjamin Julia (credits include: IGBO, Wiki). 10K chimes in with hopes of people using their differences to bring them closer together. 10ille states, “We've both been graced with the opportunity to not only continue to create, but to escape the tragedies of today into our own little Tropical Fantasy.”
10ille turned heads over a decade ago singing choruses on the biggest hits by rap duo The Cool Kids. Classic tracks such as “Jump Rope” and “Boomin’” featured 10ille’s sweet harmonies and versatile flows over Chuck Inglish’s bass-rattling production. Her discography consists of independently-released albums in the 2010s: A Bronx Tail, followed by 10ILLEMATIC/10FDOOM, then Candy Jams (2012) - a collab EP with The Cool Kids beatsmith. Since 2009, 10ille’s presence has been felt musically and visually. She was the lead vocalist on "Gimmie Gimmie," a collaboration with IGBO, the Brooklyn-based jazz-funk band. In 2012, 10ille appeared in Freddie Gibbs’ “Shame” video. Plus, she is featured on Houston, Texas rapper Fat Tony's single "Young Girl."
Through the 2010s, 10ille worked with GLDN EYE (f.k.a. Tom Cruz), who brought a refreshing spin of Jamaican reggae and dancehall to her artistry. Shaka “GLDN EYE” Girvan is a veteran hip-hop producer and rapper who earned his stripes as part of the Atlanta rap trio Supreeme in the mid-2000s. After Supreeme disbanded, he joined forces with Fat Tony to executive-produce some of Tony’s early releases: RABDARGAB, Double Dragon, and Smart Ass Black Boy. GLDN EYE is also behind the boards on Exotica, Fat Tony’s latest album. He also produced multiple tracks on reggae-dancehall artist Agent Sasco's latest 2020 mixtape Red Light presented by Federation Sound & DJ Treats.
10ille and GLDN EYE blend their names to create a shimmery new look as 10K. The touch of gold in their alias is directly influenced by the composition of 10K gold, the most durable type, yet it is less expensive compared to 24K or 14K. The symbolism of this precious metal is akin to 10K's storied resilience as musicians for over a decade in music.