Florida’s rap scene has never failed to surprise and impress me on all fronts, and at the rate they’re going, it almost feels like they’re never going to stop putting out insanely good music. When most people think about Florida, they may think of names like Kodak Black, Hotboii, or 9lokknine, all of whom create a more trap-influenced, street anthem style of rap, but my mind goes to a different type. When I think of Florida, I think of names like Denzel Curry, Ski Mask the Slump God, Pouya, Fat Nick, and Lu, amongst many others, but when comparing these emcees to the others I mentioned, it feels like there’s no way they’re from the same state, let alone the same world in general.
The latter musicians have never let up on the gas, introducing music constantly for years that is always boundary-pushing and unique to how they’re feeling at a specific moment in time, and Lu has stood out to me as one of my all-time favorites coming out of the southern hip-hop hub. He is just so diverse and multifaceted, and even though I feel like I use these words regularly as I write about his latest tracks, I do this because I seriously can’t even begin to ideate descriptors that truly drive this point home or show him the respect he deserves. If you’re not familiar with Lu, his latest song “KICKFLIP” is a must-listen, and his guest on the record, Tommy Richman, provides an even more unique spin on an already unbelievable jam.
Over a beat that sounds like a mixture of doomsday sirens and rock band drums, Lu unleashes some of his pent-up aggression in the form of assertive lines that are delivered with power and dominance, using the upbeat instrumental to incorporate even more energy into the picture. His lines are articulated perfectly, his attitude feels like a personal attack against someone he has beef with, and it feels as if you’re there in person as he berates someone, causing a scene that is as catchy and infectious as it is masterful. Tommy comes in for the second verse, displaying his always individualistic vocals with such a one-of-a-kind delivery that has been one of the main reasons why I haven’t been able to (and haven’t wanted to) ignore him since I first found out about him late last year.
Lu’s domination might be flying under the radar to an extent for now, but the vast discography of diverse bangers that he has been building over the past year or two is going to be one of those things that when people finally tune in, they’re going to kick themselves for not showing love and paying attention sooner. Nonetheless, I know Lu is constantly on his grind which is something that will never change, so make sure you tap in with his latest offering “KICKFLIP” featuring Tommy Richman ASAP!