We Speak Music

Hollow Profit Set to Transform Hip-Hop with New Album “CUIBONO?”

Published

5 months ago

December 3, 2024

At just 24 years old, Hollow Profit is ready to make his mark on the hip-hop world with his latest album, “CUIBONO?”. The rapper’s journey from a young music enthusiast to a dedicated artist has been fueled by a passion for lyrical storytelling and an undying love for the craft.

The story began in 2013, during a family road trip when Eminem’s iconic track “Berzerk” blared through the car speakers. That moment sparked something deep within Hollow, igniting a fervor for hip-hop that would soon define his life. Inspired by his sister’s existing interest in the genre, Hollow dove headfirst into the world of YouTube, immersing himself in the sounds of Eminem, Dr. Dre, NWA, and Kendrick Lamar. It was Kendrick’s groundbreaking album “To Pimp a Butterfly” that sealed the deal for him, compelling him to start writing his own lyrics.

At age 14, Hollow penned his first song, marking the start of an unwavering commitment to honing his craft. Each night, he dedicated hours to perfecting his bars, driven by a singular ambition—to be the best. His music is a testament to this dedication, influenced by Kendrick’s meticulous lyricism and MF DOOM’s unparalleled wordplay. The result is a sound that blends raw energy with intricate rhythms and a passion that resonates with listeners.

Leading up to “CUIBONO?”, Hollow has released four singles and a ten-track LP, The Prelude, but this new project marks a significant evolution in his career. “CUIBONO?” isn’t just another album; it’s Hollow Profit’s first serious, full-length offering. The record features an impressive lineup of collaborators including Nomrah, Dango Forlaine, Ronnie Alpha, Ty Farris, Junii, and Bruiser Wolf, showcasing a dynamic range of voices and styles. With production by 47 Quid and some tracks dating back to 2021, the album promises to deliver depth and innovation.

Hollow’s influences are deeply tied to his roots in Duluth, but “CUIBONO?” is poised to reach far beyond the Minnesota scene. The project aims to capture a unique blend of local flavor and universal appeal, showcasing a sound that’s both familiar and groundbreaking.

While building his fan base is at the forefront of his current goals, Hollow has ambitions that extend beyond his own career. He envisions establishing a recording studio in Duluth, with the hopes of nurturing local talent and helping other artists discover their voice. As an executive producer, he dreams of supporting the next wave of hip-hop artists and fostering a thriving community of musicians.

Hollow Profit is set to make waves and solidify his place in the hip-hop landscape.

We Speak Music

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.