“Metamorphosis” is an EP of five songs that capture the thrill, uncertainty and personal growth that accompanies the journey of finding out who you are as Milo Kobayashi embarks on a new chapter. The project is only 12 minutes but gives an insight into the creative mind of the North Augusta, South Carolina native who now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Milo is a producer, comedian, cosplayer, content creator, and self-described blerd hip-hop artist a personality who refuses to be pigeonholed. His music fuses hip-hop with playful experimentation and observations of everyday life, presenting us with an artist who favors individuality over a predictable formula. Chef Zay has played a key part in developing Milo’s sound, which is now more defined and the artist is stepping into this release with a newfound confidence.
“CrunchyRoll” brings in the whimsical, offbeat spirit that defines Milo’s artistic identity. The track taps into the cultural references and imagination that define who he is as a blerd and helps set up a project that is comfortable showing different sides of its creator. Milo’s approach goes beyond simply following hip-hop norms, it allows for personality and experimentation. That artistic freedom for an artist who takes his influences seriously while not losing his sense of humor is a natural jumping-off point for an EP centered on transformation. From there, “goodbye” takes the journey into another dimension, implying that old versions of ourselves need to be left behind to make way for something new. The title fits the idea of personal growth within the broader concept of "Metamorphosis," particularly as Milo adjusts to the changes that have ensued following his decision to take his music more seriously. It’s a fine line between expressive individuality and the personal changes that drive the project, and these opening picks walk it well.
The feeling of transformation is most acute on “bufo spit,” a song that Milo cites as a personal turning point. His excitement about the release shows that this collection of songs means something special to him, especially as he finds himself coming back to them without getting bored. It’s a re-connection that hints at a closer relationship with his own creative output and makes the track an important part of the larger story of the EP. And “Milly in the bus” is yet another chapter in the collection, keeping the focus on Milo’s evolving artistic identity and his willingness to build a world around his music. We finish off the selection with a more laid-back "Frog Shiii~". One of his favorite songs to play while doing chores at home, illustrating the everyday connection he has with the music beyond its larger ambitions, Milo says. That’s a nice personal element on the track, which sits in a sweet spot in the project, one that straddles the excitement of artistic growth and the comfort of familiar routines.
Milo Kobayashi’s “Metamorphosis” is about an artist who is learning to trust his instincts and adapting to the unfamiliar terrain of taking his ambitions seriously. His work with Chef Zay and the creative community around The Batch in Charlotte has helped shape that evolution, and influences like Rich Brian and Dev Lemons contribute to the larger musical landscape that informs his direction. Through these five songs, Milo’s personality and self-discovery remain at the forefront. “Metamorphosis” is a short statement of growth from an artist embracing change, experimenting with his identity and building something that feels more and more his own.