horrorcore Archives - New Hip Hop News

What Is Horrorcore? Sounds Of Rap’s Sinister Side

January 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Horrorcore is a subgenre of Hip Hop that plunges deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche. While being unapologetically sinister, Horrorcore defies the conventional boundaries of Hip Hop. However, unlike mainstream rap, this subgenre focuses on macabre narratives, supernatural themes, and dark imagery.

Although it’s much too dark for many listeners, Horrorcore has carved a niche that both captivates and unsettles its audience. Being as dark as it is, it has sparked many controversial debates over the years. Nonetheless, it remains a significant part of Hip Hop, and Horrorcore has influenced many rappers, even until now. While it may be quite sinister, fans of the subgenre will argue that this quality is part of its appeal.

The Dark Roots Of Horrorcore

Horrorcore’s origins can be traced back to the late 1980s. It began with the emergence of Hip Hop artists incorporating horror-themed elements into their music. The genre is also known to be heavily influenced by horror movies. As a result, a handful of artists, like Three 6 Mafia for example, strived to make their music just as chilling as those films.

The Geto Boys, particularly with their 1989 album Grip It! On That Other Level, are often credited as early pioneers. Their dark, graphic lyrics explored themes of violence, crime, and horror. Equally, Esham, a Detroit-based rapper, is another key figure in Horrorcore’s early history. His 1989 album Boomin Words From Hell is considered a landmark in the genre. Esham’s lyrical content delved into horror themes, occult references, and a generally dark aesthetic.

Horrorcore’s Features

Horrorcore is characterized by its explicit and dark lyrical content. It very often delves into themes of violence, horror, the supernatural, and occult references. Artists within the genre craft narratives that evoke a sense of unease and fear. Additionally, Horrorcore frequently employs explicit and graphic language. It aims to shock and provoke, using visceral storytelling to create a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.

Embracing a distinctive visual aesthetic, Horrorcore incorporates horror imagery in album art, music videos, and stage performances. This can include references to horror movies, supernatural elements, and occult symbolism. Additionally, like Hip Hop, Horrorcore incorporates a variety of musical styles. Its beats can range from ominous and atmospheric to aggressive and fast-paced. The genre is flexible, allowing artists to experiment with different sounds while maintaining its dark thematic core.

The Evolution Of The Subgenre

As the 1990s progressed, Horrorcore expanded with artists like Insane Clown Posse (ICP) gaining prominence. ICP, known for their theatrical and elaborate stage shows, brought Horrorcore to a wider audience. Another influential figure, Tech N9ne, has been known to incorporate horror elements into his music. He blends rapid-fire flows with dark and introspective themes that leave listeners unsettled or disturbed.

Throughout the ‘90s, Horrorcore continued to evolve, with artists like Gravediggaz contributing to the genre’s diversity. Horrorcore has continued to grow and expand. Over time, even mainstream acts like Eminem and Tyler, The Creator have dabbled in it. Not to mention Offset, 21 Savage, and Metro Boomin, whose album, Without Warning, has become a modern Horrorcore Halloween staple.

Conclusion

Horrorcore has faced criticism for its explicit content and potential influence on listeners. Debates continue to wear on about whether it contributes to or reflects societal issues. This, in turn, has added layers of complexity to the cultural significance of the genre. All things considered, Horrorcore stands as a genre that pushes artistic boundaries. Its unique blend of Hip Hop and horror themes creates an immersive and provocative experience unlike anything else in the musical landscape.

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Offset, 21 Savage & Metro Boomin’s “Without Warning”: An Homage To Horrorcore

October 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Horrorcore rap is considered a niche but as a subgenre, it’s left an indelible impact on hip-hop with some of the biggest stars often paying homage to its pioneers. Hardcore fans of horrorcore are typically ecstatic by these tributes, even if they’re subtle. But besides the horror-inspired Three 6 Mafia, Eminem, and a handful of others, the terrifying themes of the occult, satanism, and death aren’t common in mainstream hip-hop. That was why the album, Without Warning, felt like a breath of fresh air.

The album was a collaborative effort between rappers Offset and 21 Savage, and producer Metro Boomin. On Without Warning, the trio pay their respects to the niche genre and do so without making a mockery of it. In the years since it was released, the album has aged quite well. Nowadays, it is largely considered a modern-day classic that emphasizes the sounds, textures, and themes that make horrorcore such a riveting subgenre.

An Unexpected Halloween Treat

Without Warning was released on October 31, 2017. The album is aptly titled, as it was announced barely an hour before it arrived. This came after a full day of teasers on the artists’ Instagram stories. Later that night, Epic Records shared the cover art of the project, while also announcing its three collaborators. This surprise release strategy evidently generated immense excitement and curiosity among fans of the artists. Moreover, releasing Without Warning on Halloween was a strategic move, capitalizing on the holiday spirit. It added a thematic element that was very much in line with the album itself.

The Horror-Inspired Themes on Without Warning

On the whole, Without Warning is a trap album. The collaboration aimed to merge Offset and 21 Savage’s distinct styles with Metro Boomin’s signature trap-infused production. However, upon closer inspection, there’s much more to the album than just trap. Without Warning is characterized by its dark, atmospheric production, and haunting beats typically characteristic of horrorcore rap. Metro Boomin set the moody and often eerie tone from its very first track, “Ghostface Killers.”

The production also features heavy basslines, brooding melodies, and punchy rhythms. These instrumentals provided a perfect backdrop for the gritty lyrics and delivery of Offset and 21 Savage. Lyrically, Without Warning delves into themes such as street life, wealth, fame, and the struggles of coming from difficult circumstances. Offset and 21 Savage’s verses are often raw and unapologetic, reflecting their personal experiences.

However, the lyrics never go quite as violent or macabre as those from death rap artists like Tech N9ne or Brotha Lynch Hung. Nonetheless, the horrorcore influences are evident, especially on tracks like “Nightmare.” In summary, Without Warning is more notable for the undertones of horrorcore infused in its beats and lyrics. The album excellently executes this, paying homage to the genre, while never fully diving into its waters.

A Spooky Success Beyond Halloween

Without Warning received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its cohesive sound, sharp lyricism, and production. The surprise release strategy generated significant buzz, adding to the album’s impact. Subsequently, it debuted and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. Of the ten songs on Without Warning, six songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “Ric Flair Drip” being the most successful. It was released as the sole single from the album and peaked at number 13 on the chart.

The album’s become synonymous with Halloween due to both its grim sound and the release date. However, it has impacted the music scene far beyond Halloween 2017. It continues to receive significant stream numbers even six years after its release. It is widely considered to be a successful collaborative project that effectively highlighted the talents of the musical trio. With Halloween 2023 just around the corner, Hip Hop fans are sure to return to this horror-inspired album.

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Candyman’s Undeniable Impact On Hip-Hop

October 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Horror and Hip Hop have had a longstanding relationship that really became visible in the mid-80s. The genre, in particular, might be regarded as a niche in the film industry but it’s similarly carved out a lane of its own within hip-hop, i.e. horrorcore. Franchises like Friday the 13th and Halloween have stamped their cultural imprint in hip-hop since the 80s. Meanwhile, groups like Three 6 Mafia embraced horror movies, which is entirely evident in their catalog.

The 1992 movie, Candyman might not be the most widely celebrated horror film of all time. However, it holds a special place in hip-hop culture. At a time when horror movies failed to showcase much diversity, Candyman filled the void, delivering a horror film that’s rooted in the horrific social ills that plague America. Moreover, Candyman showcases how social and political topics that are often found in hip-hop can be similarly explored through other mediums, such as the horror genre.

What Is Candyman?

Candyman is a 1992 horror film directed by Bernard Rose, and based on Clive Barker’s short story, The Forbidden. Set in Chicago, it revolves around the legend of the Candyman. The titular character is a hook-handed phantom who is summoned when his name is repeated five times in front of a mirror. However, the legend of Candyman traces its roots back to the era of slavery in the United States.

The character’s tragic fate is also intertwined with a forbidden romance. In the story, Candyman falls in love with a white woman, a relationship deemed unacceptable by the racist society of the time. As a result, he faces brutal punishment, and his hand is severed and replaced with a hook. Subsequently, he is covered in honey and left to be stung to death by bees.

The film also explores the power of the urban legend and its impact on a community, blurring the line between myth and reality. The narrative delves into the psychology of fear and belief, showing how collective fear can manifest supernatural entities. In summary, Candyman’s backstory is rooted in social inequalities and historical injustices.

Despite its limited success, the movie has since gained a cult following, and become a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, it has inspired discussions about urban legends and Black folklore. However, one unique way that Candyman has grown on people is through its influence on Hip Hop.

Candyman & Hip Hop: An Unlikely Duo

One of the most popular mentions of Candyman in Hip Hop is on 2Pac’s song, “Troublesome ’96.” On the track, the MC raps the lyrics, “Say my name three times like Candyman, bet I roll on your ass like an avalanche.” Although it’s not exactly five times, 2Pac’s message comes across loud and clear: like Candyman, he is not one to mess with.

Kendrick Lamar famously referenced Candyman on “ELEMENT.,” a track from his critically acclaimed album DAMN. In the latter part of the song, he raps, “Just say his name and I promise that you’ll see Candyman.” Similar to ‘Pac, Kendrick aligns his vengeful side with Candyman. At a time when he was gunning for hip-hop’s throne, he made it clear that he would murder the career of any rapper that dared mention his name, similar to Candyman.

Phillip Glass’ “Music Box” Legacy

The eerie soundtrack of the Candyman movie has also been sampled in Hip Hop music. Speaking to IGN, the film’s score composer, Phillip Glass, shared that he still makes good money off the soundtrack. While largely attributed to the film’s popularity, there’s no doubt that several acclaimed rappers and producers have transformed the eerie soundtrack into undeniable bangers.

A prime example of this decades-long relevance can be heard in Travis Scott’s 2014 mixtape, Days Before Rodeo. In the intro, “The Prayer,” Travis samples Glass’ “Music Box” from the Candyman movie soundtrack. That same year, Big Sean sampled the song on “1st Quarter Freestyle.” Similarly, the remix of Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater” ft. Lil Wayne, produced by Timbaland, also sneaks in a sample of “Music Box.” Producers typically incorporate these samples to create a haunting atmosphere in their tracks, paying homage to the film’s impact. This is one of the many ways in which the film’s score has maintained popularity several decades later.

Conclusion

Hip Hop artists often use intricate storytelling techniques, akin to the narrative style of horror movies. Candyman has since influenced the development of layered storytelling in Hip Hop lyrics, enhancing the genre’s depth and complexity. Also, as aforementioned, Candyman delves into social issues including race and urban decay, and Hip Hop, a genre born from marginalized communities, often addresses similar themes. Thus, the film’s impact on Hip Hop can be seen in the way artists incorporate these social commentaries into their lyrics.

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How Three 6 Mafia & Memphis Embraced Horror Movies

October 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Memphis is not just known as the birthplace of rock n’ roll. Over the decades, the Memphis rap scene has become a giant in the industry and one of the most influential hubs in hip-hop. Moreover, the city has gained prominence for its horrorcore through its long-standing relationship with the horror genre. It dates back to the mid-late 1980s when horrorcore first emerged as a recognized subgenre. The genesis and development of the subgenre can also be credited to a handful of pioneering rappers in the scene at that time. One of the most prominent pioneers is the Hip Hop group, Three 6 Mafia.

By all accounts, Three 6 Mafia is an iconic Hip Hop act. Their influence continues to be heard today. However, their penchant for spooky films helped carve out their sound and legacy. Drawing inspiration from horror movies and scores, Three 6 Mafia and the Memphis rap scene provided a blueprint for horrorcore rap.

Memphis Rap & Horror

Horrorcore would not be the same without the cinematic experiences that inspired pioneer artists and producers. The film genre inspired Memphis rap artists and producers to draw hyperbolic parallels between their realities and the gruesome and macabre themes found in horror. References to violence, occult murder, supernatural elements, and movie characters are ubiquitous in Memphis rap songs. More importantly, these aspects help create the vivid and chilling narrative style found in plenty of Memphis records. Iconic films like The Return Of The Living Dead (1985), Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1986), and A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984) helped fuel the minds of these creatives. DJ Paul particularly cited Henry and Friday the 13th as two of his earliest influences while he chatted with Passion of the Weiss.

Additionally, producers frequently sampled dialogue and soundtracks from popular movies to set the tone for the eerie themes. Soundbites were used for interludes and intros. These inclusions infused songs with a haunting atmosphere and created a palpable sense of tension and unease. Artists like Tommy Wright III, DJ Paul, and Juicy J typically employed these elements in their production.

However, the aesthetics often associated with Memphis’ early hip-hop scene further emphasized the horror genre’s influence. Horror-inspired imagery found in album art and music videos was reminiscent of classic movie posters and further carved out the overall creative direction. Projects from Gangsta Pat, Tommy Wright III, and Three 6 Mafia were heavily influenced by 80s and 90s horror movies.

Three 6 Mafia & Horror

Three 6 Mafia famously excelled at incorporating horror elements into their music. The group is known for their dark, aggressive sound and explicit lyrics. In a conversation with Passion of the Weiss, founding member DJ Paul shared that, while they had garnered a reputation for dark lyricism, it was all just a show. “It was nothing rebellious,” he said. “I just liked horror movies and horror music.”

Three 6 Mafia has since inspired a generation of musicians to continue to explore horror themes in their music. Rappers like Scan Man, Denzel Curry, and SpaceGhostPurrp have cited them as influences. Furthermore, even producers like Drumma Boy have been directly influenced by Three 6 Mafia and the Memphis horrorcore sound.

The group has played a significant role in the evolution of Southern Hip Hop. Three 6 Mafia gained national recognition with their iconic 1995 debut album, Mystic Stylez, which is widely considered a seminal album in horrorcore. The project excellently demonstrated how Memphis’ rap scene is unlike any other city in America. Mystic Stylez also delved into supernatural and occult themes, drawing inspiration from horror movies. Three 6 Mafia, with their horror-infused lyrics and production style, has inspired a generation of musicians to continue to explore horror themes in their music. Horror movies have not gone out of style, either. Consequently, horrorcore artists are still being inspired to create more interesting projects.

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7 Of Hip-Hop’s Spookiest Music Videos Of All Time

October 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Music videos, when done right, will always take the listening experience of a song to the next level, and Hip Hop has a number of impressive visual treats. The horrorcore rap subgenre, although not as mainstream, has some pretty iconic scary music videos that perfectly fit the October vibes. However, the macabre nature of horrorcore rap renders is not something everyone can stomach. Nonetheless, these videos have proven to be a hit with horror fans. With Halloween fast approaching, now is as good a time as any to look back on some scary music videos Hip Hop has to offer.

“Murder Was The Case” – Snoop Dogg (1993)

“Murder Was The Case” was first released as a track on Snoop Dogg’s debut studio album, Doggystyle (1993). The following year, the iconic music video was released as a short film of the same name starring the rapper in the lead role. The song on its own was already quite spooky but watching Snoop Dogg converse with the devil in the video took it up a notch. That moment, in particular, is particularly scary, and a main highlight of the video. As the two strike the deal, Snoop Dogg’s character resurrects, spending the rest of his life in servitude to the devil.

“Martians Vs. Goblins” – The Game Ft. Lil Wayne & Tyler, The Creator (2011)

This song was released as a part of The Game’s fourth studio album, The R.E.D. Album in 2011. The Game and Tyler, The Creator star as two patients in a psychiatric hospital. Wayne holds down hook duties yet doesn’t appear in the music video. “Martians vs. Goblins” contains some attention-grabbing controversial lyricism from the MCs involved. The video is also expertly done and just as captivating, albeit quite unsettling to watch.

“Mind Playing Tricks On Me” – Geto Boys (1991)

The music video for Geto Boys’ classic song is simple but brilliant. The video follows a narrative structure spelled out by the song’s lyrics. Each member of the Geto Boys recounts their individual encounters with fear and paranoia. While the narrative style is vivid and immersive, the Geto Boys’ accentuate their anxieties in the song’s visual accompaniment. Keep your doors locked when you watch this scary music video, as it’s visually dark and mesmerizing.

“Demons” – Doja Cat (2023)

Doja Cat recently released her latest album, Scarlet, after dominating 2021 with Planet Her. Doja was clearly in her horrorcore rap bag, and no other song proves it as much as “Demons.” As a standalone audio track, the song encapsulated high-octane rage. However, when paired with the music video, “Demons” becomes quite the spooky rap offering. Doja herself stars as a demon in the music video, and she delivers a very convincing performance. “Demons” is certainly one of the scariest music videos that deserves a play this Halloween.

“Monster” – Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver (2010)

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 27: Musician Kanye West performs onstage during the 2010 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Horror-themed music videos are often controversial, and this music video is not exempt. “Monster” is one of the standout tracks from Kanye West’s critically acclaimed album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The music video stars West, Minaj, and Jay-Z, and utilizes horror-inspired, gothic themes. It is dark, scary, and contains some disturbing imagery that took inspiration from movies like American Psycho and Saw. “Monster” is widely renowned for Nicki Minaj’s iconic rap verse, but her cameo in the music video was equally exciting. Moreover, due to widespread backlash of the controversy, the video was banned on MTV and later, removed from Kanye West’s official YouTube page.

“3 a.m.” – Eminem (2009)

The cinematography of Eminem’s “3 a.m.” music video is expertly done. If it intends to terrify, then it is successful, because the video dishes out a palpable sense of dread and danger. Bones, blood, and dead bodies are shown in flashes, which somehow makes the images last longer in viewers’ minds. The found footage-style recording of Eminem in the woods heightens the spookiness of the video, making it quite scary. At times, the images are graphic, so viewer discretion is strongly advised.

“Meat Cleaver” – Brotha Lynch Hung (2013)

Scary music videos are widespread in music, and the horrifying visuals of “Meat Cleaver” extend far beyond Hip Hop. In fact, it opens with a disclaimer, warning viewers about what they are about to see. Brotha Lynch Hung is widely regarded as a legend in the horrorcore rap scene, and some even regard him as the originator of the subgenre. The rapper has many unsettling tracks, but “Meat Cleaver” definitely ranks amongst his most disturbing. The scary clip contains the most graphic visual content on this list and is certainly one of the creepiest music videos you will see anytime soon.

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7 Horrorcore Rappers Who Will Spice Up Halloween Playlists

October 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Horrorcore rap is a niche, but interesting subgenre of rap. It has existed since the early ‘80s and has maintained an enigmatic presence in the Hip Hop scene. Horrorcore rappers typically blend dark and horror-themed lyrics with hardcore rap elements. They use the genre as a form of artistic expression to address several topics through dark and horror-infused lenses. These topics include societal issues, personal struggles, and deep fears, among others.

With Halloween drawing nearer, the stage is being set for Horrorcore rappers to shine. Sure, many of them haven’t had mainstream appeal but they’re constantly growing their respective fanbases. It’s also important to note that while the sound borrows from punk, alt, and rock, Horrorcore rappers are still centered around Hip Hip. Their pens are also particularly of note, as they rarely hold back from emotive lyricism. Overall, it would be worth anyone’s time to dive into the subgenre, and these rappers are a great entry point.

Read More: 10 Horrorcore Tracks For Halloween

Eminem

Eminem is the most notable name in the history of horrorcore rap. Although the bulk of his work is far removed from it, his stylistic choices in his early work, like The Marshall Mathers LP and The Slim Shady LP have always been linked as seminal works in the subgenre.

In 2009, Eminem returned to form with the release of Relapse, which is widely considered a Horrorcore album. The album shot to the top of the charts and also earned him the Grammy for Best Rap Album. Two horrific highlights of the project are the single, “3 a.m.,” and the chilling “Same Song And Dance.” The latter track also features one of Dr. Dre’s most haunting beats. However, in hindsight, Eminem shockingly referred to the album as “meh.”

Twiztid

Twiztid is a Horrorcore duo that consists of Jamie “Madrox” Spaniolo and Paul “Monoxide” Methric. Together, they conjure up the stuff of nightmares with their music. They have been together since 1992 and were previously members of the group House of Krazees. Twiztid’s music infused elements of Hip Hop and rock. The duo is quite popular in the Horrorcore scene, and they have had several appearances on Billboard charts. Throughout their career, they have released over 40 different projects, so there’s a lot of their music to check out. However, for your Halloween playlist this year, we recommend “We Don’t Die” and “Blood… All I Need.”

Insane Clown Posse

With a name like that, there’s already an idea of what to expect from this duo. The members of Insane Clown Posse are rappers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Their duo name is often abbreviated as ICP and developed a cult-like following since they began releasing music in 1989. The members of this duo are two of the best Horrorcore rappers out there with an enduring career that spans decades. It’s a tough choice to decide on where to begin with their extensive discography. Not to worry though, we’ve picked out two classic songs from their arsenal of hits for you to start with. You should definitely add “Halls of Illusions” and “My Axe” to your 2023 Halloween playlist.

Backxwash

Backxwash is a Zambian-Canadian rapper. She is an innovative voice in the Horrorcore scene, and has been active for over five years now. In December 2017, she released her debut single “Stonewall.” She followed it up in 2018 with the releases of her sophomore single “F.R.E.A.K.S,” and her debut studio album BLACK SAILOR MOON. Backxwash has released three additional albums since then. “VIBANDA” and “GNOSTIC FLESH/MORTAL HELL” are good picks to start you off on her music.

Sematary

Sematary is a 22-year-old trap and Horrorcore artist. Per his Instagram bio, he describes himself as the “GRAVE MAN FROM THE HAUNTED MOUND” among other things. His earliest release on streaming platforms is Rainbow Bridge, his debut album which dropped in 2019. The rapper followed it with Rainbow Bridge 2 and Rainbow Bridge 3 in 2020 and 2021 respectively. He also released several Horrorcore singles along the way.

Just in time for Halloween 2023, Sematary dropped the album King Of The Graveyard on September 29. It is his second album of the year, following Butcher House. His songs “Haunted Mound Reapers” and “Go Dig My Grave” should make it into your Halloween playlist for sure.

Clipping.

This artist-producer trio consists of rapper Daveed Diggs, and producers William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes. Clipping. was formed in 2009, and the group has released seven projects since then. With a vast catalog, we advise checking out their lauded project, Visions Of Bodies Being Burned. They are celebrated as pioneers and experimentalists in the Horrorcore rap subgenre. We recommend adding “Check the Lock” and “Nothing is Safe” to your Halloween 2023 playlist.

Necro

Necro, the founder of Psycho+Logical-Records is an accomplished Horrorcore rapper. Additionally, he is often referred to as the “King of Death Rap.” He has been present in the music industry for quite a while, and his debut single, “I Need Drugs,” was released all the way in 1999. Necro has greatly expanded his discography since then, releasing several more solo studio albums. His unabashedly gruesome lyricism and imagery make him one of the best Horrorcore rappers of all time. “Your F**in Head Split” and “Push It to the Limit” are two of the MC’s Horrorcore classics worth checking out.

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$UICIDEBOY$ & Germ Finally Release “DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE”

December 17, 2022 by newhiphopnews

$UICIDEBOY$ and Germ have returned with their new EP, DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE, a no-frills collection of distorted phonk, trap, and horrorcore. It marks their third collaborative EP and their first in five years, following DIRTYNASTY$UICIDE in 2016 and DIRTIERNA$TIER$UICIDE in 2017. However, they haven’t kept quiet, with $UICIDEBOY$ dropping Sing Me A Lullaby, My Sweet Temptation this year. As expected, it’s a consistent and concise tracklist with a lot of aggression, distortion, but also charisma.

US hip hop duo $uicideboy$ members Ruby da Cherry (L) and Scrim perform during day 3 of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, on June 18, 2022. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

Moreover, that charisma comes through in their animated delivery, passionate vocal runs, and relentless flows. Still, the lyrical topics that the New Orleans duo plays with in their music are quite dark. Rejecting religion, suicidal ideation, depression, and rough upbringings are some examples. A lot of that energy manifests into amped-up bangers on this EP, much like Germ’s The Hijinx Tape.

Also, this release follows an incredibly successful year for “boys” Ruby and $crim, the latter of which produced DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE entirely. They are the 27th most streamed artist of 2022 in all genres, according to HITS magazine. In addition, their 2022 album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Rap Album chart.

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Meanwhile, the massive success hasn’t strayed them from their Memphis-influences roots. DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE is heavily sunken into that classic horrorcore sound, with bells and distorted bass and everything. It keeps a pretty quick pace, too, with most tracks keeping a very upbeat tempo and swing. Overall, this EP draws its appeal by how they’re able to make such a dark set of elements sound so fun. Furthermore, there’s a rawness to this album that sets it apart from the duo’s more atmospheric or varied work recently. “My Swisher Sweet, But My Sig Sauer” is a great example of that hype.

$UICIDEBOY$ x GERM

DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE

12/16/22 pic.twitter.com/oQQUKRkrIh

— DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE (@SUICIDEBOYS) November 27, 2022

What did you think of this latest EP? How does it hold up to the rest of the series? If you haven’t checked it out, you can find DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE by $UICIDEBOY$ and Germ on your preferred streaming service. Also, you can find the tracklist below and check back in with HNHH for the best new music each week.

Tracklist

Sorry for the Delay
BUCKHEAD
I Dream of Chrome
Champagne Face
The Serpent and the Rainbow
My Swisher Sweet, But My Sig Sauer
Center Core Never More