East coast rapper HDBeenDope has subtly emerged from rap’s drill scene delivering effortless bars and a perceivably natural authenticity. As a recent signee to Roc Nation, the Brooklyn native is slowly approaching the limelight and creating a lane for his sound. His latest release, “Wake Em Up” is an eloquent middle finger to those that have doubted him, channeling his frustrations into art.
“It’s channeling all that angst, all that pressure, all that everything you have to deal with just to try to level up as a person,” he describes, “I’m not talking about as a rapper, I’m talking about as a person.” The track explores the implications of pursuing his dreams and aspirations. His verses are gritty and nihilistic, boasting about his accomplishments yet revisiting the struggles along the way.
The rapper possesses an aggression that is typically associated with the drill subset of rap music. “Wake Em Up” has a powerful beat, consisting of heavy bass. Despite its heavy undertone, the single has a palpable melody that highlights the artist’s energy. HDBeenDope challenges the use of the term “aggressive” in regards to his music and east coast hip-hop. He states, “I think the main impact that the east coast, New York, Brooklyn specifically, has on my music is the energy. New York people are labeled as aggressive. But I look at it like I’m in my spot and you’re not gonna move me. People deem that as aggression, but it’s like no, this is my space.”
While HDBeenDope may be a rookie on the major label roster, he possesses the talent and mindset to maintain a long-standing career in rap. “Wake Em Up” shows his raw energy and concise flow. Hip-hop fans can anticipate more new music from the Brooklyn rapper in the near future.
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