Florida is a melting pot of culture, and Hotboii is a sleeping giant who Kut Da Fan On and has been lit ever since.
The Sunshine State has been on a hot streak as of late, producing a wave of talent that has provided rap with a new aesthetic. Candidly speaking, the Floridian culture runs deep throughout hip-hop’s newly embraced soundscape — ghetto gospel is street poetry, and vulnerability means freedom.
The 20-year-old rapper’s sagacity catalyzed a movement that has subsequently led to a growing desire for truth; but not glorified tales of deceit or wrongdoing, listeners want to feel, they want to connect with an artist — even if they’re only allowed to live vicariously through a moment encapsulated on wax. And who better to pen this narrative of affliction than someone who has been through hell and survived. Hotboii admits that he doesn’t believe in over-exposing or sharing too much on his personal life. “That’s what I do as an artist, I expose my situation to others,” he explains. All things considered, when you “Don’t Need Time”, especially ’cause time waiting on nobody, it’s almost like you have to live for now, because tomorrow isn’t promised — and maybe exposing your situation helps the next man up avoid succumbing to a similar fate — so essentially, Hotboii is paying it forward with his verses.
A man of few words, Hotboii embodies the disposition of someone who has endured a lot. His reticence is unwavering, hard to understand but equally respected. With some assistance from keyed accompaniment and pain-filled murmurs, he has sprouted to become one of rap’s young OG’s on the rise. Hotboii is wise beyond his years, but when asked about his past and the hardships he had to endure, one word has humbled him and transcended growth on all levels, “Jail.”
Naturally, I have somewhat of a reserved character myself, so I’m very understanding on the sensitive nature behind revisiting moments of distress. Interestingly enough, me and Hotboii are polar opposites; I talk a lot, too damn much at times, but that’s why I write, to get out of my own head. Hotboii on the other hand, he’s an open book in the booth, trying to find a way out of the trenches. So really, maybe there’s a commonality across the board; we’re all trying to escape from something, it’s just a matter of unmasking what that something is.
Today, Hotboii debuts on Geffen Records with “Left Lonely,” a feel-good strain that details a life of mischief. Championed with a cinematic sequence and a smidgen of indecent elation that stems from hitting the lick of a lifetime, the video for this uptempo release follows Hotboii throughout the entire process of an apparent heist. Thematically speaking, the high-powered visual amplifies that edgy lifestyle the Florida crooner alludes to in song.
InYaEarHipHop had the opportunity to connect with Florida’s unbridled star to talk about how he got his start in rap and more. Our conversation follows below.
What drove you to pursue a career in rap?
I always had a thing for rap I fell in with making music & also the rapper style.
How did you find your voice as an artist?
Wanting to be unique & standout.
What exactly does “ghetto gospel” mean to you?
Ghetto gospel is like street poetry basically real music for the streets.
Do you consider yourself to be a pain artist?
Yes I actually do because I explain my life struggles in my songs.
How do you manage to keep a positive outlook on life despite what you’ve been through?
Gotta stay positive thru any situation the sun always gone shine again.
Why do you Kut Da Fan On?
I cut the fan on cus Ima hot ass artist & everything I spit fire.
When you’re making music, does your vulnerability ever get in the way; do you ever have second thoughts about exposing listeners to too much?
No because that’s what I do as an artist I expose my situation to others.
Your music alludes to fake love and betrayal; what has been the hardest part about your success story?
Jail.
What does the term “home” mean to Hotboii?
Home to me means a place you can relax & just be you with out no cameras no fake love just vibe also a safe zone.
