Venture Klan, the dynamic hip-hop duo hailing from Harlem, returns with their most introspective and ambitious work to date: The Side Effects of The Sun. This project paints a vivid picture of the glory, challenges, and unexpected consequences that come with chasing success. Known for their electrifying stage presence, comedic interplay, and seamless blending of Harlem’s gritty hip-hop with anime and pop culture influences, Venture Klan’s latest EP is a testament to their growth as artists and storytellers.
Ave Campbell and BukDaWorld, the masterminds behind Venture Klan, offer an authentic glimpse into their lives as they navigate the highs of stardom and the inevitable pressures that accompany it. True to their Harlem roots, the project embodies the neighborhood’s creative energy and resilience while charting new musical territory that stands apart from traditional New York hip-hop. Through six hard-hitting tracks spanning just over 21 minutes, The Side Effects of The Sun keeps listeners enthralled from start to finish, each track a unique take on the sacrifices and rewards of living “your time in the sun.”
From the beginning of the EP, you’re drawn into a world of braggadocio, uncertainty, and introspection, all laid out with Venture Klan’s signature rapid-fire delivery and infectious charisma. The themes of duality are apparent and shines a light on the euphoria of success, while offering a sober turn toward the stress and isolation that come with it.
Deep Dive Into Venture Klan: The Duo from Harlem
Formed in 2007, Venture Klan emerged from Harlem’s streets as a fresh and bold voice in the hip-hop scene. As high school classmates, Ave Campbell and BukDaWorld bonded over a shared love of music, competitive personalities, and their mutual fascination with pop culture, anime, and all things creative. Over the years, they honed their skills through intense lyrical battles, evolving into a formidable duo with an unmistakable sound that blends the grit of Harlem with playful references that transcend the usual boundaries of hip-hop.
The name Venture Klan is as much a reflection of their adventurous spirit as it is a nod to their willingness to take risks in their music and lives. With their 2020 debut It Takes a Village, they set the stage for a new wave of Harlem-bred hip-hop, one rooted in the culture of the streets but not afraid to experiment with humor, vulnerability, and innovation. Their community-minded approach has seen them become local favorites, not only for their energetic performances but also for their contributions to the city’s cultural scene through events like VentureMania. The Side Effects of The Sun marks their evolution from promising newcomers to established artists with something important to say.
Unpacking The Side Effects of The Sun: A Narrative of Success
The Side Effects of The Sun tackles the concept of success with all its complexities. Venture Klan brings the listener along for the ride, celebrating the perks and privileges of making it big. Tracks like “Fuck What You Think” and “Moxie” showcase the highs—the confidence, the power, the thrill of standing at the top of the game. The beats are celebratory, the flows tight, and the lyrics unapologetic in their braggadocio. But beneath the surface, there’s a growing awareness that this moment won’t last forever.
As we dive further, the tone shifts dramatically. The once-vibrant energy becomes introspective as Campbell and BukDaWorld explore the costs of success. Tracks like “Lemon” and “Legend” delve into the exhaustion and isolation that come with living in the spotlight. The pressures of keeping up appearances, staying relevant, and maintaining relationships bubble to the surface, creating a stark contrast to the earlier confidence. The Side Effects of The Sun ultimately paints a full picture of success—not just the glory, but the sacrifices that come with it.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
- Fuck What You Think
The EP opens with an aggressive bang, as “Fuck What You Think” sets the tone with a dark, hypnotic beat and a captivating flow. The track is all about owning your success and silencing the doubters. With a heavy dose of confidence, this is the kind of song that’s perfect for setting the stage for the rest of the project. Clean vocal effects and a slow, ambient synth line underline the duo’s assertion that they’re not here to please anyone but themselves. - Moxie (featuring Mike Mitch)
On “Moxie,” Venture Klan slows it down with a chopped-and-screwed-inspired production. The song leans heavily into its Southern influence, with a laid-back beat that complements the swagger-filled lyrics about staying ahead of the game and avoiding those who only want to benefit from your success. Mike Mitch’s feature adds a nice contrast to the track, blending seamlessly with the duo’s braggadocious verses. - That Ain’t The Case
This track ups the energy again, featuring a bouncing Migos-style flow over a sample that’s as hard-hitting as it is infectious. The bells in the background create an atmospheric feel, while the lyrics explore how the pieces are starting to fall into place for the group. With bars like “throwing rocks at a boulder trying to piss off a mountain,” this is Venture Klan at their most assertive. - Lemon
“Lemon” takes a different approach with a haunting 90s vibe and eerie production reminiscent of old-school Three 6 Mafia. It’s a standout for its Halloween-ready beat and menacing tone, giving the EP a darker, more mysterious edge. The bars focus on the group’s relentless drive to succeed, while the beat’s unnerving undercurrent provides the perfect backdrop for the track’s ominous vibe. - Tan Lines
With its tribal, island-inspired beat, “Tan Lines” is a refreshing change of pace. The song has a lighter, more playful energy, with lyrics revolving around a woman who captivates with her beauty and mystery. Venture Klan delivers their lines with a smooth flow, adding layers to the beat with well-timed adlibs and breakdowns. - Legend (featuring tacitoak and Li Pierre)
The final track, “Legend,” closes the EP with a bang. Featuring a hypnotic, melodic sample, electric guitars, and an anthemic chorus, the song is an ode to the journey of becoming a legend. The minor chord progressions add to the song’s intensity, and the featured artists bring their A-game with passionate verses. This track is all about not stopping until you’ve reached the top, making it a fitting conclusion to The Side Effects of The Sun.
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