NombreKari Gives Us His Rawest Self On “Children Play With Fire”

There have been a host of Chicago artists truly creating and staying in their own lane. WemmyMo, Pat Guwop, Hatesonny and NombreKari are just a few making waves in the city. Kari is especially notable following the recent release of his debut mixtape, Children Play With Fire.

Children Play With Fire (released late last month) is composed of 10 tracks, boasting features such as DrewisABoss, Serena Isioma and Hatesonny. The features work alongside Kari to tell a story of pride, loss, and, ultimately, reflection with the Bronzeville native touching on topics that are all too familiar to Chicago youth. 

The executive production is headed by Kari, MyFriendNate and Gus Chvany and does a great job of pairing these topics with an almost heaven-sent selection of instruments, telling the story atop a perfect soundscape. 

The closest thing I can compare it to is Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid Maad City, as it offers a story that is intricate and heartfelt (backed by instruments that amplify those elements, rather than suppressing them). Kari tells the story of children playing with fire and the repercussions of that throughout the 10 tracks, touching on a range of scenarios and topics. 

On tracks such as “Lwyec” and “TELL ME” feat. Sydny August, he comes face-to-face with familiar hometown tragedies.  Not only does he tell stories of gun violence and estranged relationships, Kari touches on the mental strife that comes with all of that, which serves as a contrast to many artists of his caliber. 

“73 Degrees” is one of the standouts, offering an innocent, almost playful soundscape reminiscent of younger, happier times. It feels like the end of summer in high school, when the endless nights of antics come to an end and you have to settle back into the harsh reality of life, reflecting on the things lost along the way. This feeling is tied together by Kari’s words on the chorus, “I’d rather be outside.” As he talks about how “nothing lasts forever how clever but such a bummer,” the feeling is solidified. 

NombreKari’s debut mixtape, Children Play With Fire, is nothing short of poetry to me. It makes me feel a million different things. One moment, I’m excited to take on any challenge that comes my way, and the next moment I’m reflecting on the hardships that plague so many around us. 

He makes sure to hone in on the reality of living in a cold Chicago, the good and the bad parts. With a captivating selection of instruments and assistance from fellow Chicago artists, Kari is able to tell a raw, poetic story that leaves no feeling untouched. 

Some of my favorite tracks are “Amia,” “73 Degrees” and “Lake Shore Drive.” What about you? If you’ve given NombreKari’s Children Play With Fire, what are your thoughts on it? Are you a fan, or do you prefer other Chicago artists over Kari? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section.