We Speak Indie Artist

Downfvll’s “Hellos and Goodbyes” Is A Haunting Anthem Of Loss And Survival

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2025

Music4U

Grief is messy, unpredictable, and often impossible to put into words—but Downfvll has found a way. With “Hellos and Goodbyes”, the Paris-based producer and rapper Maeldan Wilmet crafts a sonic world that captures the pain of loss and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward. This isn’t just a song; it’s an emotional experience, blending dark pop, phonk, rap, and orchestral elements into something that feels both intimate and cinematic.

From the very first line—“woke up, to the sound of the phone, it’s late at night, like a quarter to four”—we’re thrown into a moment of sudden, devastating realization. The storytelling is direct yet deeply evocative, placing the listener right in the center of heartbreak. As the production swells, so does the emotional weight. Downfvll’s raw vocals cut through the ethereal, almost ghostly backdrop, making every word hit harder. The chorus, with its piercing refrain “The hellos aren’t worth the goodbyes”, is both a lament and an unfiltered reflection on the cruel nature of time and separation.

Musically, “Hellos and Goodbyes” is a masterclass in blending genres. The orchestral flourishes give it an almost gothic grandeur, while the underlying phonk beat keeps it grounded in a modern, edgy aesthetic. Downfvll’s ability to seamlessly fuse these elements creates an atmosphere that feels like it belongs in a futuristic noir film—dark, brooding, yet undeniably beautiful. His influences, from Woodkid’s cinematic orchestration to the emotional depth of NF, are present but never overshadow his unique artistic identity.

Lyrically, the song wrestles with existential questions and raw emotion. Lines like “What if I gave up and died, would the shape of your world even change a bit?” expose the darkest corners of grief—the loneliness, the self-doubt, the desperate search for meaning. Yet, rather than wallowing in despair, Downfvll channels these emotions into something transformative. “I refuse to sit on the side, I’ll become whatever you didn’t dare to be” isn’t just a lyric—it’s a declaration of survival, a promise to live on despite the pain.

What sets “Hellos and Goodbyes” apart is its ability to be both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether you’ve lost someone, battled inner demons, or simply felt the weight of time slipping away, there’s something in this track that will speak to you. Downfvll doesn’t offer easy answers, but he gives us something just as powerful: validation. The acknowledgment that grief is real, that it hurts, but that we can find a way through it.

With “Hellos and Goodbyes”, Downfvll cements himself as an artist who isn’t afraid to confront the heaviest emotions head-on. The song is haunting, yes, but it’s also cathartic—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, music has the power to make us feel seen.

We Speak Hip-Hop

NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.

MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.

Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.

MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.

Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.

MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?

Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.

MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?

Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.

MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”

Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.

MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?

Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.

MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.

Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.

MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.

Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.