Recent internet phenomenon and genre-hopping artist 2hollis subverts expectations and breathes life into the rap-hyperpop scene with his newest album.“Star” has a run time of thirty-eight minutes and features fifteen songs. Released on April 4, this is 2hollis’ fourth album, after “White Tiger,” “2,” and “boy.” In “star,” 2hollis blends his previous underground EDM and hyperpop sound with a cleaner, focused style of lyricism and beats. He explores his fame and recent rise to stardom while incorporating various electronic genres and unusual soundscapes.
The album starts with a track titled “beginning,” where 2hollis talks to the listener directly. He asks the listener if they are ready and tells them they are about to witness something great. He repeats the word flash at the ends and beginnings of his sentences. The song feels like a rushed moment with 2hollis as the paparazzi photographs him; it is intense and leaves the listener wanting more.
“Flash” is the second track and talks about 2hollis’ rise to fame and how far he has come. The beat is reminiscent of early 2000s club music and feels sleazy yet danceable. It seems like 2hollis is straying further away from his signature sound and moving closer to beats like those featured in his recent single “Style”, but with a cleaner outcome.
Two of the most notable tracks are “tell me” and “eldest child” for very different and distinctive reasons. “Tell me” is without a doubt the best track of the entire album. The beat is phenomenally funky and combines harsh clappings with unique noise, yet it does not overpower 2hollis’ vocals. 2hollis once again, is talking to the listeners on this track, asking the listeners if they are looking at him. He also talks about shaking fake hands and getting out, detailing what is likely a reference to the stress and paranoia of being under such a harsh spotlight.
“Eldest child” on the other hand is the complete opposite sound-wise. 2hollis is extremely vulnerable on this track; his voice only backed up by a single acoustic guitar. It is incredibly refreshing and beautiful. His voice is airy and light yet so full of emotion. He recounts his experience of being the eldest child in his family along with the feeling of needing to make his family proud and put on a smile while feeling misunderstood or unknown.
Some songs on this album are a bit forgettable compared to the better tracks, but are still worth listening to for the distinctive rhythms and beats.
2hollis started out constantly being compared to fellow “underground” rappers, like Nettspend and Xaviersobased, but has really made a name and sound for himself. His new sound combines a mix of Swedish artists, like Bladee and Ecco2k, with early electronic-pop-club music, like Skrillex and Crystal Castles. The result is new yet nostalgic, and 2hollis has the perfect voice and vision to pull it off.
The entire album is a fun listen reminiscent of Charli XCX’s “Brat.” Hopefully, like “Brat,” this album will gain traction, being played in clubs all summer. If not, “Star” holds its own, being deserving of much more attention than it has received thus far.
2hollis, like Nettspend and Xaviersobased, only seem to keep breaking the boundaries of music and rising through the ranks, some call their songs an acquired taste, but their talent is exigent, and the music industry will only see more of them.
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