Written by Nia Bowers
Rapper-producer I.K.P. (The Infamous King of Positivity) kicks off the new year with a new single, “OFF TOPP,” a track that lands like church over a trap beat. Built on the idea that the sacred and the profane aren’t opposites but neighbors, the song plays like a wake-up call to take up space and move with intention. “OFF TOPP” channels the energy of going all in—whether that’s stepping into purpose, locking into the present, or understanding that when it’s time to act, hesitation is no longer an option.
“I’m basically declaring and sermonizing that we live in between the sacred and the profane, and like I always say, the trap is never too far from the church; I’m letting people know that two things can be true at once,” said I.K.P.
This duality reverberates throughout the production, themes, and lyrics, as trap drums carry a message of conviction while layered, choir-like vocals hype up the song’s take-up-space energy. The track has a driving pulse, mirroring the mindset it preaches: locked in, committed, and unwilling to get distracted. The result is a song that works just as well blasting through a workout, taking a late-night drive, or releasing energy on the dance floor.
“OFF TOPP” is the first single from I.K.P.’s upcoming EP, PSYCHE, set to fully release in February. The title nods to an East Coast “get it done” mindset: go all in, take up space, and move with purpose. I.K.P. blends this New York drive with experiences from their time in the U.S. Marine Corps (2003–2008), where they navigated obstacles and challenges that they have since been able to transmute through their music.
“I was going through a pretty hard time, but I did a lot of soul-searching, decided not to let my struggles bring me down, to turn a negative into a positive, which is where my artist name came from,” shared I.K.P.
Growing up in ’90s Brooklyn also shaped I.K.P.’s stage name and artistry, with influences like Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, Mobb Deep—particularly their Infamous album—and Missy Elliott, whose storytelling and world-building left a lasting mark. That relentless, creative spirit of NYC also fueled the production of “OFF TOPP,” developed with longtime collaborator P.A. On The Track, an Argentinian producer known for hip-hop, techno, reggaeton, and Latin trap.
“He’s so experimental; he’s great to work with. I handle all the lyrics, but I also co-produce whenever I can—I love shaping the tracks he makes,” I.K.P. explained.
“I’ve been writing and recording for a long time,” they continued. Their first commercial release came in 2011 with Ignoring the Known Protocol, followed by three full-length albums: Executive Realness (2013), In Positivity We Trust (2015), and 11:11 | eleven eleven (2021). Each project chronicles different chapters of their journey—from navigating abusive relationships, homelessness, and substance struggles to exploring spirituality and numerology—offering a window into the experiences that continue to shape their artistry today.
“So since documenting that life path, in this upcoming EP [PSYCHE], we’re now building on that groundwork and this EP becomes foundational to the next era,” explained I.K.P.
When asked how they would describe their music, I.K.P. frames it as both spiritual and Afrofuturistic. For those not yet part of their FLOE STATE community, it’s a forward-looking sound that seeks to offer something to hold on to: a sense of hope, a possibility for the future. Their work imagines new worlds, building sonic landscapes that blend introspection, energy, and visionary storytelling, creating music that’s as much about feeling as it is about rhythm.
“I grew up in a musical family, my dad plays alto sax and has been in a band for many years, and on his side of the family, everyone is connected to music in some way,” I.K.P. explained. “I also had a close relationship with one of my cousins who was making moves in hip-hop. She encouraged me to push the pen and be whatever kind of artist I wanted to be. Watching her navigate her own struggles and successes helped me find my path forward.”
Those early lessons were layered on a rich cultural foundation, as I.K.P. has roots in Honduras, where Afro-indigenous Garifuna traditions collide with the vibrant rhythms of salsa and merengue. From Garifuna drumming and vocal traditions to the Afro-Caribbean influences that migrated across Latin America, these ancestral rhythms inform both the cadence of their lyrics and the textures of their production.
“All of that—the music, the dance, the storytelling—is embedded in our way of life and has become foundational to my sound,” enthused I.K.P.
For the “OFF TOPP” music video, which is now available on YouTube, I.K.P. took a hands-on approach. Partnering with an independent video production company, they crafted a monochromatic visual that strips away graphics and cinematic embellishments, placing the focus entirely on their performance and the raw energy of the track.
Fans of trap, dance, and high-energy, melody-driven music will find themselves drawn to “OFF TOPP,” a song that fuses conviction, rhythm, and spirituality into a singular listening experience. The track—and its visually striking video—serve as a statement of intent, and a glimpse into the evolving sound of I.K.P.’s FLOE STATE universe. Stay tuned to I.K.P.’s socials for more music, visuals, and updates on their upcoming EP, PSYCHE, as they continue to push boundaries and bring their visionary sound to new audiences.
“OFF TOPP” is now available on all streaming platforms, with promotional support from Starlight PR.
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OFF TOPP Spotify Link
OFF TOPP YouTube Link
