Kwame Adu Reconciles With His Past on "Counting Losses"

image

Photo: Umar Farooq

The past year has been anything but normal for Kwame Adu. Following three new projects, a name change, and a drastic cross-country relocation, Kwame Adu returns with his newest single, "Counting Losses". Formerly known as Brandon Masenko, and as one half of the LA rap group Driving Indoors, "Counting Losses" sees the newly New Jersey-based rapper transforming pain into self-acceptance. Deriving inspiration from jazz and drum-n-bass music, Kwame effortlessly flows while flexing some serious lyrical chops on his newest track.

It is difficult to describe what exact genre "Counting Losses" finds a home in, but this is partially what makes Kwame Adu's songwriting so mesmerizing. Jazzy and low-fidelity piano serves as the track's foundation over which Kwame adds what he describes as a "drum-n-bass twist".  

In addition to weaving his love of anime into his poetic content, Adu doubles down on his track's theme of reflection with lines like "Woke up feeling like Rihanna" (a reference to the opening line of his previous track "Wake Up"). Featuring a bass performance from alt-rock genius Isaac Lewis, "Counting Losses" is a track that is just as meditative as it is energetic. With a killer percussion track and hip-hop performance, Kwame Adu spares no expense on his latest cut.

Above all else, "Counting Losses" is a testament to the resilience of the undying creative spirit. Despite daily chaos unfolding around us, Kwame takes the good with the bad and still finds a way to fuel his creative passion on this self-produced track. Like Kwame sings on the chorus, “It’s up and down / We don’t need a score / Don’t count your losses," demonstrating a mindful humility whose sage guidance is much needed - especially when the world looks the way it does now.  

There is no point in counting our personal L's, what is most important is that we move forward and learn from our mistakes.  Though the future is uncertain, Kwame Adu's "Counting Losses" remains an honest yet optimistic perspective on progress and making peace with our past.  

Listen to  "Counting Losses" below:

Related Articles

Cleo Reed's Album, Cuntry, Is A Folk-Rap Statement of Political History [Q&A]

Cleo Reed's Album, Cuntry, Is A Folk-Rap Statement of Political History [Q&A]

July 23, 2025 Too curious not to ask the artist herself, we caught Cleo in NYC on their rooftop for a chat.
Author: DJ Connor
rap
Joey Valence & Brae Announce Third Album, HYPERYOUTH, With Electric Double Single

Joey Valence & Brae Announce Third Album, HYPERYOUTH, With Electric Double Single

July 15, 2025 A well anticipated follow up to the critically acclaimed PUNK TACTICS and NO HANDS, JVB continues to shine in their maximalist reinterpretation of classic emcee / rapper duo with a refreshing, vibrant style.
Author: Hillary Safadi
rap
Kevin Abstract Returns Home in 'Blush'

Kevin Abstract Returns Home in 'Blush'

June 27, 2025 “In 2024, I was dealing with heartbreak, addiction, feeling completely lost. Felt myself erasing myself from me."
Author: Jazmin Kylene
pop
rap