On “Oti$,” Otis Fonde raps effortlessly over a soulful beat that sounds like something you’d hear from golden era Kanye (I think it’s also the piano sample chops as well). Lyrically, the song’s boisterous and a bit braggy, but there’s still knowledge within the bars as well. So if you’re a fan of lyrical hip-hop that’s got more going for it than just sounding good, this one is definitely a track you should check out. The hook lends itself well to a chant, especially since it’s easy to sing along to. Overall, the two singles he’s dropped thus far (this one and the incredible “Keep On Proving Yourself“) made me check out his Clarity album.

The album is more of the same, with the DMV rhymesayer dropping flows over beautiful production to showcase his growth as a man and an artist over the past few years. I think it’s the culmination of all his hard work that he’s put in. You can tell he gives a damn about the music and what he puts out, because not a second’s wasted in the album on silly subjects. Even when he gets braggy, he does so in a way that’s still impressive and more than just “I’m better than you.” If he’s part of the newer wave of DMV-based artists and Virginia rappers, the region’s in good hands (especially due to the diversity he and others like him exhibit).

Check out his album below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.