As a hip-hop enthusiast, most of the time, it is hard to see what is happening in the industry during recent years. The artist doing real American, OG sounding rap is so rare to find that it becomes hard to believe your ears when you hear about someone doing it. If you know the feeling, you know that most of the time, when friends suggest a new artist, the first thing you do is to assume they are talking about yet another mumbling new schooler. Ike, though, is different than that. The young artist grew listening to and admiring rap icons such as Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Drake, Young Thug, Future, Kendrick Lamar, Jhene Aiko, SZA, Smino, EARTHGANG, and many others. Having these influences on his music makes it evident that the rapper knows what he is doing, and his new release “Trunks” proves it best. It also puts on display Ike’s own signature sound and style.
Despite his young age, with “Trunks,” Ike shows himself as a mature creator. His verses have the urban bone at their core; his lyricism is poetic and unique to the hip-hop genre; he embraces the rap culture and masters it professionally. The element of raw talent makes Ike’s performances even more soul-fulfilling. His voice is powerful yet vulnerable; the sound he produces is crafted and detailed. “Trunks” is overflown by groovy and swag vibes. It is true to the nature of the urban yet manages to be edgy. No doubt there will be hype around this new dope release from the young rapper who came to claim his place in the industry and finally save the rap game.