Artist Highlight: Wakai

2022 isn't over yet, but it has been one hell of a year so far in terms of new music. One artist, in particular, that has consistently been in his bag has to be Wakai. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, he has constantly been exposed to music. Almost as if it was fate, Wakai didn't have to go out of his way, because music found him.

“I got a drum set when I was 3, pretty much been around music ever since.”

By age 10, he was already cooking up in the studio. This would be the groundwork of his work ethic. Music-wise, he grew up listening to introspective artists such as Outkast and Lauryn Hill, and they helped influence his multidimensional sound. I think that's what attracted me to his music. Even though you can tell he was influenced by other artists, he doesn't have a sound that will directly remind you of an artist. Wakai’s music is a breath of fresh air in the midst of boring and repetitive music.

Unquestionably, all of it has been paying off because musically Wakai has been on such a crazy tear this year. Between his debut album “To a Dark Boy” which featured dope lyricists like Mick Jenkins and Atlanta’s Marco Plus and his summer E.P., “Flashbacks”, he hasn't missed yet. Keeping that momentum rolling, he recently dropped a new single titled “a month ago”.

“I made a month ago the first time I ever went to New York November of last year & I remember outside it was snowing & I told Wav I had been listening to “For The Both Of Us” by Ego Ella May & we HAD to sample it.”

The stars were definitely aligned when that decision was made. Wavworld could've produced this lo-fi hip-hop beat for anyone. But nobody but him could've smoothly articulated his thoughts and painted a vivid picture as Wakai did. On this track we see him fondly reminiscing on his past and how quickly life changes.

If you enjoyed it, brace yourself because there's more where that came from. He recently announced that “Wavworld & I are about to release our third collaborative body of work next month entitled, Travel Team, Vol.” They say the third time is a charm, so I have zero doubt that Wakai won't close off this year with a bang.

I'm loving what I see from Wakai this year. And if 2023, is anything like this year, he will be in a prime position to make even more noise. When asked what advice he would give newer artists he answered “Don’t be afraid to do things, fear builds growth.”

Stream “a month ago” down below!