Baton Rouge rapper Wakai continues to push sonic boundaries with the release of his double single, “22s” and “Magenta Skin.” Seamlessly blending neo-soul and jazz textures, with psychedelic hip-hop production, this two-track offering showcases the duality of Wakai’s artistry—one side bold and hard-hitting, the other smooth and hypnotic.
With “22s,” Wakai delivers a hard-hitting affair, flexing his sharp lyricism and intricate wordplay over a menacing beat. Meanwhile, “Magenta Skin” leans into ultra-smooth, jazzy textures, creating an ethereal soundscape that feels both meditative and intoxicating. Together, these tracks paint a portrait of an artist who refuses to be confined by genre, instead crafting a signature sound that is entirely his own.
The first half of the double single, “22s,” wastes no time in making an impact. From the opening seconds, the production hits with weight—booming 808s, distorted synths, and a jazz-inflected drum groove that feels raw yet meticulously crafted. Wakai’s flow is urgent, darting in and out of the beat with precision, delivering lines that balance introspection with braggadocio.
If “22s” is the punch, “Magenta Skin” is the glide—a track designed to elevate, to drift, to hypnotize. While its counterpart hits hard, “Magenta Skin” floats, layering jazzy chords, soft percussion, and Wakai’s effortlessly smooth delivery into a mesmerizing groove—floating over the beat like smoke curling into the air.
What makes Wakai stand out in today’s hip-hop landscape is his fusion of psychedelic production, jazz textures, and hypnotic lyricism. He’s not simply rapping over beats—he’s crafting entire soundscapes, each track feeling like a fully realized universe.
The Baton Rouge rap scene is often associated with aggressive, street-driven hip-hop, but Wakai is carving his own lane, one that leans into atmospheric textures, live instrumentation, and poetic storytelling. A must listen.
