Fly Anakin - “No Dough” (w/ Madlib)

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Homeboy Sandman, Oddisee, Your Old Droog

From the early singles of Fly Anakin’s Frank, it’s apparent the Richmond-based rapper is at the top of his craft, complex melodies that still come across as cooly confident highlighting his lyrics. Dense but not verbose, Fly Anakin’s style is studied yet experimental, impressive yet free-wheeling. Fly Anakin released his debut in 2015, but he comes across as a virtuosic veteran on Frank’s preview material. That skill comes from hard work - Fly Anakin already has 13 (!) records released, collaborating with artists frequently including full records with Big Kahuna Og, ohbliv, Koncept Jack$on, Tuamie, and most recently Pink Siifu in some of the best material of his career (we’ll get to that in the next spotlight - their collaboration Fly Siifu is also showcasing at SXSW this year). 90s hip hop, indie rap, and contemporary pop-rap can be found in Fly Anakin’s style and his choice of production partners - it’s clear that he’s able to master any written words with his precise rhyme schemes and wordplay that make Fly Anakin’s albums so consistently appealing. (Kevin McStravick)