Enigmatic DMV-via-New York City rapper and producer Kuru returns with their sophomore album Backstage Hologram, out now via deadAir Records. The project features previously released singles “FW19” and “Noir kei,” alongside guest appearances from xaviersobased, Lucy Bedroque, and katmoji. Accompanying the release is a new music video for “Pray for…”, directed by Poortfolios.
With Backstage Hologram, Kuru sharpens their signature blend of digitized underground hip-hop, merging technoromantic textures with IDM-inspired production and tightly wound DMV-rooted flows. The album stands as a defining statement in their rapidly evolving catalog, balancing experimental sound design with an instinct for memorable hooks.
The release arrives as Kuru prepares to embark on a fully sold-out North American co-headlining tour with Lucy Bedroque, kicking off in Seattle. The run spans April and May, including back-to-back sold-out shows in Los Angeles at Echoplex and The Roxy, as well as multiple nights at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
Since first emerging in 2019, Kuru has built a reputation for remarkably refined songwriting, initially gaining traction through a series of self-released SoundCloud drops including “clueless,” “typo,” and “resolve.” Momentum continued with tracks like “2door,” “my Baddd,” and “wakeup,” alongside production contributions to xaviersobased’s acclaimed project Xavier.
Their collaborative orbit spans a new generation of boundary-pushing artists, including jane Remover and Hi-C, while their creative reach extends into fashion, with modeling work for Yasuyuki Ishii featured in British Vogue.
After graduating high school early, Kuru relocated to New York City and partnered with deadAir Records, leading to the release of their 2024 debut album re:wired. The project earned praise from Pitchfork, which described it as “a panic room crammed with miseries, victories, betrayals, realizations, and music so dreamy it somehow sounds idyllic.” The follow-up tape “Stay True Forever” further bridged the gap to their sophomore era, refining the sonic palette now fully realized on Backstage Hologram.
With this latest release, Kuru continues to carve out a distinct lane within the underground—restless, forward-thinking, and deeply personal—while their sold-out tour signals a growing demand that shows no signs of slowing.