Hit-Boy’s Debut Solo Album Solidifies His Place as a Versatile Artist
Hit-Boy, the 35-year-old multi-talented musician hailing from Fontana, California, has been making waves in the music industry for over two decades. His career began when he was taken under the wing of Polow da Don, who signed him to his Interscope Records imprint Zone 4 Records. Hit-Boy’s early production credits include notable tracks such as “Stronger” by Mary J. Blige and “Drop the World” by Lil Wayne and Eminem. However, it wasn’t until he produced Kanye West’s Christmas posse cut “Christmas in Harlem” that he truly caught the attention of the hip-hop icon. Hit-Boy became an in-house producer for Kanye’s label, G.O.O.D. Music, for approximately two years, during which he produced several notable tracks such as “Ni**as in Paris” by The Throne, “Cold” by Kanye West, and “Backseat Freestyle” by Kendrick Lamar.
After his tenure with G.O.O.D. Music came to a close, Hit-Boy launched his own imprint, HS87 Music, under the Interscope label. He continued to build his reputation by working with top-tier artists such as Beyoncé, Drake, and Travis Scott. However, it is his recent work with Nas, Big Sean, and Benny the Butcher that has truly cemented his status as one of the most prolific producers of our time. In addition, he has recently founded his own EMPIRE Distribution imprint, Surf Club Inc.
It is only fitting that Hit-Boy follows up his six solo mixtapes with his very own full-length debut. The album, titled “Surf or Drown,” opens with the intro track “Big Hit,” which sets the tone for what’s to come. The first full track, “The Tide,” features Nas and Hit-Boy trading verses over a soulful beat with a trap switch-up later on. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. “State Champ” by Half-a-Mil and Jay305 follows, showcasing a cloudy yet vibrant instrumental that represents California to the fullest.
Dom Kennedy makes an appearance on “Corsa,” admitting that their hearts are still cold on top of a backdrop of hi-hats and an airy beat. The chill trap banger “Tony Fontana III” features Curren$y, who talks about how this rap game is a marathon, but he and Hit-Boy aren’t running on a track. “Just Ask” sees Spank Nitti James taking up the bulk of the track with a hypnotically crooning trap production and themes of asking before assuming.
“NU.WAV” is a moody trap ballad that showcases Hit-Boy’s ability to formulate and execute a unique sound. “Slipping into Darkness” begins with The Alchemist spitting a verse over a sample-based boom bap beat before Hit-Boy calls out those who tried to deflect him over some jazzy piano chords that Uncle Al chopped up. “2 Certified” goes full-blown UK drill as Avelino helps Hit-Boy boast about their respective legitimacies in the rap game. The penultimate track, “M.T.R. (Make the Rules),” is a vibrant yet chill cut about how Hit-Boy simply knows the rules instead of making them. The album ends with a sequel to “Composure” off King’s Disease II, featuring an aquatic yet jazzy boom bap instrumental that showcases Hit-Boy’s vulnerability in his lyrics.
Overall, Surf or Drown is a powerful debut album that cements Hit-Boy’s abilities as a performer and producer. His unique sound spans from boom bap to trap to UK drill, and he enlists a mainly consistent guest list that helps him rip his own beats to a nearly perfect album.
With the release of Surf or Drown, Hit-Boy has not only solidified his position as a producer extraordinaire but also as a capable rapper and singer in his own right. The album showcases his ability to switch between different styles effortlessly, and the chemistry he shares with his guest features is a testament to his versatility and talent. Surf or Drown serves as a testament to Hit-Boy’s enduring legacy and ongoing impact on the music industry, cementing his place among the most accomplished and influential figures in hip-hop today.
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