Hollow Profit, the rising rap sensation, has just dropped his latest album CUIBONO?, and it’s a masterclass in lyrical prowess and musical innovation. Following its release last month, this ambitious project is already making waves in the hip-hop community, and for good reason. CUiBONO? is more than just an album; it’s a statement. Across the sprawling 17 tracks, Hollow Profit has crafted a rich, eclectic soundscape that pays homage to classic boom bap and gangsta rap while pushing the genre’s boundaries.
Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Hollow Profit, born Brody Burke, has quickly become a local legend. His love affair with hip-hop began at 14 when Eminem’s “Berserk” played on the radio during a family road trip. This moment ignited a passion that was further fueled by Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, inspiring him to start writing his own material. His music reflects the influence of Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang Clan, and MF DOOM, blending complex wordplay with personal storytelling.
The body of work features collaborations with notable artists such as Ben Beal, Wais P, Bruiser Wolf, Junii, Crimson Dot, Nomrah, Ty Farris, and Fat Ray add depth and diversity to the project, making it a must-listen. The album’s lead single, “Sicilian Gold,” is a standout track featuring Detroit’s Ronnie Alpha. It’s a vibrant blend of soulful vintage vocals, sparkling piano riffs, and a fresh drum beat, exuding a timeless glamour. Hollow Profit explains, “On the surface, it is about an all black outfit, highlighted by gold chains. If we look a little deeper than that, it’s really about fashion and feeling confident in the way that we express ourselves.”
In true De La Soul fashion, CUIBONO? incorporates a variety of samples and sonic influences. The album’s longest track, “Triumph,” features a sample from Gene & Eddie’s obscure 1971 soul track “Darling I Love You,” blending seamlessly with atmospheric beats to create a nostalgic yet innovative sound. Hollow Profit credits his co-producer Nomrah as the “real saving force behind this banger of a song.”
With a decade of songwriting under his belt, CUIBONO? marks a significant milestone in Hollow Profit’s career. While he has released several singles and a ten-track LP, he considers this his “first official album.” Reflecting on his artistic goals, he says, “I would like to put out a few classics, work with the best lyricists at my disposal and inspire the next generation to do the same. I’d like to be able to help the next generation of MC’s along, expanding Hip-Hop’s ever growing legacy. I think this culture is important to carry on.”
CUIBONO? is out now.
