Returns with Hard-Hitting New Single “RED ROOM FREESTYLE”
Toronto hip-hop artist, producer, and songwriter KTOE returns with his new single “RED ROOM FREESTYLE,” out May 21 via MCMXVI. The track serves as the latest release from his upcoming EP REEKO, slated for June 19 – a deliberate release date chosen to coincide with Juneteenth, an American federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating Black freedom, culture, and resilience.
KTOE has built a reputation for blending hip-hop, trap production, and melodic influences into a sound that moves easily between high-energy flex records and more emotional moments. His music is driven by bass-heavy production, instinctive songwriting, and an approach that often comes together through freestyles and raw emotion in the studio.
“REEKO is me tapping back into that raw, hungry side of myself while still showing growth and emotion,” said KTOE. “This EP is really about balance. Confidence, pain, aggression, creativity, and vulnerability all live in the same world. REEKO shows every side of me and reminds people that no matter the vibe, the feeling always comes first.”
The five-track project finds KTOE fully embracing his “talk my shit” era while balancing moments of vulnerability and melodic depth. Inspired by the smooth, confident energy of Rico Suave, REEKO leans into themes of self-assurance, ambition, and straight flexing. Previously released singles “KID CUDI” and “PRODUCER CHEAT CODE” have already begun building momentum, showcasing KTOE’s harder-edged energy and lyrical sharpness. Meanwhile, “RED ROOM FREESTYLE” captures the spontaneous energy that defines much of his artistry, born out of a late-night studio session and fan response online. See music video here.
Across the project, upcoming tracks like “LIGHTS CAMERA” lean into melodic drill influences inspired by UK rap and artists like Pop Smoke, while “LONELY” offers a more emotional and introspective moment that highlights the full range of KTOE’s artistry.
Since emerging in 2019, KTOE has amassed over 20 million streams across his own music and production work. His credits include collaborations with artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Skip Marley, Haviah Mighty and more. His collaboration with Jazz Cartier on “Right Now” was selected as the official 2019 Toronto Raptors NBA Playoffs theme on Sportsnet, while recent sync placements include Tulsa King and Hightown.
Blending understated delivery with bass-heavy production and instinctive songwriting, KTOE continues to carve out a sound that keeps listeners and the wider hip-hop scene eager to hear what comes next.
