HOPP - “Fake”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Anderson .Paak, Goldlink, Big Boi

LA rapper HOPP sounds tight and energized on 2018 debut #Whoami and a pair of hot follow-up singles “Approachable” and “Fake”. Quick spitting and percussive, HOPP has a higher-toned voice that is naturally funky, a perfect fit for his soulful, creative beats. “Approachable” has a cool, Eastern-sounding sample that plays throughout the bass-bumping track, a rhythmic groove that harkens back to classic hip hop in its mood and timbre. 2020 single “Fake” is a full-on funk track and the best in HOPP’s emerging catalog, an infectious groove for the artist’s lyrically dense raps. He nails synchronizing with his backbeats, ending bars in a way that goes right into the next, like drawing tight, melodic circles. HOPP leans into thick R&B grooves as well on his earlier tracks, including Taylor Hill collaboration, breakout “Go In”, performing on record as if a front-row crowd is right there hanging on every word. (Kevin McStravick)