Limerick rapper and spoken word artist Willzee has released his first full length album Kuti Gris. The 11 track debut is a gritty, world aware recollection of a fascinating life “urging a different course for communities in need of care, locally and worldwide.”

The album is used as a vessel to honestly express identity and grief, “Throughout my life, my heart has been broken multiple times from the loss of both my parents, to siblings and friends,” the 29 year-old recalls. In Traveller Gammon language, Kut’i Gris translates to ‘a piece of heart’, a reference to how each track represents a piece of heart, lost or found.

Willzee is an Irish Traveller raised in a ‘settled’ foster home. He reflects on struggling with an ongoing sense of difference from his peer, “I existed in the middle line of both cultures which at first was difficult. But, as I grew, so did my meaning and purpose,” he says. "I have seen discrimination, both subtle and overtly hostile. It’s unfortunate that these problems still exist, and that there is no plan to bridge the gap between both communities. Each side surely wants the same thing: to live in peace, know their neighbour and most importantly, to feel safe."

Through positive reassurance, patience, love and understanding from his foster parents, he began to steer himself towards a brighter future. He now hopes to channel his pain into a path of healing for others.

Blurring the boundaries between high-intensity hip-hop and poignant spoken word, the rapper is at the forefront of a musical movement that's bringing his hometown to the top of the Irish rap scene.

Featured track ‘On Top’ features artists Strange Boy, Hazey Haze and Jayne. “The concept behind 'On Top' is to inspire young musicians to keep striving for their goals, to maintain a constant rise in their output both professionally and personally and to use their experiences as superpower to help inspire others.”

The earnestness in his inflection speaks to real-life experiences in overcoming hardship. Through his music, the Irish artist finds a channel to be openly self-expressive. With a mission to inspire others, he hopes that this message of reclamation will reach out to help others beyond himself:

“Let the past be the past, but take it further,” he urges.

Listen to Kuti Gris below, via Berlin label Welcome To The New World.