LA-based, NY-bred rapper-singer-producer, Hudi delivers his new project Holy Smokes!, a 7 track body of work that taps into the early 200s sounds of producers like Timbaland, The Neptunes and Jermaine Dupri. Thematically, Hudi blends a bit of retrospect, nihilism, cynicism and a whole lot of fun in his own way.
Holy Smokes! opens up with the upbeat jam “Brand New!’ which helps set the tone for the project with its bright flutes and bouncy bass-laden grooves, The production is akin to mid-2000s The Neptunes and a dash of Timbaland if you listen closely. Hudi also holds his own on the mic and delivers a blend of free-flowing raps and a catchy hook to boot. “In the Cut!” continues the vibrant energetic sounds with sparse and percussion-driven grooves, one-note synth stabs, and subtle vocal samples. Hudi again flows seamlessly and carries the beat by himself with a distinct swagger. He sounds like he is just having fun with it and we can’t be mad at that.
Check out the video for “In the Cut.”
The title track has a Latin-tinged texture and groove reminiscent of R Kelly’s “Fiesta” but that is about it. The track sure stands out on its own with a club-ready aesthetic and Hudi’s nonchalant and laidback flow. Lines like “I’m the man with no plan, I know she got 3/ and 1-2 gonna lead to a 2 plan b”. “Yung” makes use of an interesting guitar pluck arrangement that reminds one of P Diddy’s “I Need A Girl pt 2” with a slightly much punchier groove. He makes use of a melodic flow and a stream-of-consciousness rap that dives into his player lifestyle.
This is followed by “Younger Now” and “Lonely”, 2 tracks that change the pace of the project. “Younger Now” is a sombre R&B infused track that showcases Hudi’s vulnerable side. He pours his heart over the soulful guitar riff arrangement and contemplates his love life and how feelings change over time while “Lonely” continues the R&B style and dives into Hudi’s struggle as a rising artist who risked it all to get what he wants even losing lovers, friends and family but he is hopeful things would work out. The final track “Top Bitch!” is a smooth guitar-riff-driven jam that is ripe with a memorable chant-like hook and of course Hudi’s distinct melody-laced flow. As usual, he is flexing on the track and kicking the game to models and chicks who unfortunately can’t resist his charm.
The Author
