Kony Brooks Declares Dominance with Genius Level Rap, Vol. 1

Better late than never—but here in the Rawrrzone, we had to take a moment to give flowers where they’re due. March has proven to be an incredible month for entertainment. We came off Kendrick Lamar’s explosive Super Bowl halftime show, WrestleMania is approaching, basketball season is at an all-time high—and Bronx’s very own Kony Brooks blessed fans with his latest project, Genius Level Rap, Vol. 1.

Following the critically acclaimed 2023 release of 855, this new EP continues to showcase Brooks’ lyrical prowess, dynamic production, and elite storytelling skills. While 855 gave us introspection and vulnerability, Genius Level Rap is a declaration of dominance—five tracks of unfiltered penmanship that reaffirms his status in New York hip-hop.

Track-by-Track Breakdown of Genius Level Rap, Vol. 1

1. 5PM on Ocean Drive

"I judge character dog, I ain’t even mad at ya, I’m mad at me, I had to let it burn like a calorie. Actually, the apple ain’t fall from the apple tree, both my parents amazed me for putting up with the blasphemy."

The project kicks off smoothly with 5PM on Ocean Drive, blending introspective lyricism with a soulful melody. Kony paints the picture of a man grinding through the trenches—working 13-hour days, doing two-a-days, trying to “fit in where the music play.” It’s a line that hits home for every creative balancing a 9–5 life with dreams in motion. The tone is both warm and real—a reminder that the road to success isn't always glamorous.

2. Top 5 in My City (feat. Teddy Grahams)

"This about that time when my idols become my rivals, And survival got me back outside so now I’m spraying."

This track has been on repeat in our daily commute playlist. Top 5 in My City is an anthem of accomplishment, perseverance, and well-earned self-validation. As an independent creative, Kony uses this moment to reflect on his journey, celebrating how far he’s come while addressing the industry’s oversaturation.

And of course, what would a Kony Brooks project be without Teddy Grahams? The duo consistently levels up with every collaboration—from Black Friday to this latest offering, their chemistry is undeniable. Teddy continues to match Kony’s lyrical energy, showcasing their growth as a duo and as individual artists.

3. Status Updates

"My life feels like TikTok cuz every page is for you, Explore your insecurities with King this glow is royal."

A standout moment on the EP, Status Updates takes a deep dive into life after COVID-19, social media anxiety, and the emotional effects of the digital era. Kony explores vulnerability in a raw and unfiltered way, addressing how terrifying it can be to rebuild your life under constant online scrutiny.

4. Genius Level Rap

"Break bread on the daily, push my limit to the sky, A BIG deal and a Bad Boy ready to die."

The EP’s title track is a lyrical flex that reintroduces fans to the hunger of “backpack Kony” with a more refined twist. It’s classic Kony—bar-heavy, confident, and sharp. The track serves as a reminder of why he’s crowned himself the King of New York. The passion is palpable and the cadence is unstoppable.

5. Skills Over Politics

"Pardon my disguise, my demise is what they can't cheat—I been on the rise, I'm the rapper that they can't see. Focussed on my future this delusion what they beat."

Kony ends the project with a mic-drop moment. Skills Over Politics is his philosophical thesis on the rap game—a call to bring back authenticity and lyrical talent in an industry often dominated by image and networking.

This track draws perfect comparisons to Jay-Z’s “Moment of Clarity” (from The Black Album, 2003), where Hov reflects on the compromises artists make to succeed in the industry. You can also compare it to Kendrick Lamar’s verse on “Control” (with Big Sean and Jay Electronica), where lyrical dominance is prioritized over industry politics. Brooks not only matches that energy—he brings it home with a Bronx-bred authenticity that’s unmatched.

855 vs. Genius Level Rap: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Listening to both 855 and Genius Level Rap, Vol. 1 together tells a full story. 855 was a deeply personal, thematically rich album that showcased Kony’s storytelling finesse and emotional depth. While it still flexed his lyrical muscles, its core was vulnerability.

Genius Level Rap, on the other hand, is the follow-up that reintroduces Kony Brooks to new fans and solidifies his presence for returning ones. It’s compact, polished, and unapologetically confident. If 855 pulled back the curtain, Genius Level Rap kicks the door down.

Final Thoughts

Kony Brooks has clearly reached a point in his artistry where the work speaks for itself. The range between 855 and Genius Level Rap, Vol. 1 shows his evolution—not just as a rapper, but as a thought leader and voice for New York’s underground scene. If this is the level of heat he’s bringing from 2023 to 2025, then Genius Level Rap, Vol. 2 might just raise the temperature even higher.

🔗 Stay Connected with Kony Brooks

• 🌐 www.konybrooks.com

• 🎧 Stream Genius Level Rap, Vol. 1 on Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL