Hollow Profit’s debut album, CUIBONO?, hits hard and leaves an impression you won’t soon forget. It’s been three years in the making, and you can tell; this isn’t just another album but a thoughtful, intricate hip-hop experience. Real name Brody Burke, Hollow Profit channels years of dedication, grit, and personal growth into his first full-length LP, proving he’s a rising voice in the scene worth serious attention. For fans of classic hip-hop and fresh talent alike, CUIBONO?, offers a masterclass in storytelling, boom-bap beats, and jazzy, soulful vibes that feel straight out of the golden era.
The album kicks off with ‘Sicilian Gold’, a track that could single-handedly secure Hollow Profit a spot among the greats. Collaborating with Detroit’s own Ronnie Alpha, the song draws heavy inspiration from Wu-Tang legends Ghostface Killa and Westside Gunn, giving a nod to old-school lyricism with a modern twist. Lyrically, ‘Sicilian Gold’ paints a picture of luxury and ambition, opening with the line: “Sicilian gold, all black sweaters yeah, striped up socks where I haul my cheddar.” The track’s dreamy, vintage production, complete with hazy vocals and a smooth piano riff, is the perfect backdrop for Hollow Profit’s raspy, hypnotic delivery.
Another standout track is ‘Birds and Bullets’, a clever reimagining of Ben Beal’s 2020 hit, ‘Birds Aren’t Real’. Hollow Profit teams up with Beal, adopting his Crimson Dot persona to bring a gritty energy that contrasts with Ben’s laid-back style. The two artists play off each other with effortless chemistry, blending Hollow Profit’s sharp, assertive verses with Beal’s relaxed, lo-fi sound. The result? A jazz-infused bop driven by a slick saxophone sample and a beat that could fit right into any 90s rap playlist. It’s a perfect mix of old-school charm and new-school swagger.
What makes, CUIBONO?, truly remarkable, though, is Hollow Profit’s lyrical depth. He doesn’t just rap—he tells stories, weaves in social critiques, and drops raw reflections that come from his own life experience. Hollow Profit tackles themes of resilience, ambition, and survival, all without a hint of pretense. Each song is a different piece of his journey, revealing layers of his identity, passions, and values. Combined with 47 Quid’s crisp, genre-bending production, the album feels like both a personal diary and a nod to hip-hop’s rich legacy.
In the end, CUIBONO?, is a statement. It’s an album that demands to be heard by hip-hop heads and newcomers alike, reminding us of the power of authenticity in a genre often driven by surface appeal. Hollow Profit has set a high bar for himself, crafting an album that balances nostalgia and innovation with ease. Whether he’s Crimson Dot or Hollow Profit, Brody Burke has arrived—and it’s clear he’s here to stay.
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