Hollow Profit’s latest track, “Birds & Bullets,” is a gritty, introspective piece that brings classic boom bap hip-hop to life with fresh perspectives and intricate wordplay. Collaborating with Ben Beal and featuring a smoky jazz-infused production from 47 Quid, the track is a nod to hip-hop’s golden era while still feeling distinctly modern. Residing in Duluth, Minnesota, Hollow Profit has been honing his craft for nearly a decade, and “Birds & Bullets” exemplifies his evolution as an artist who draws on life’s most challenging moments to inspire and connect with listeners. The track is the seventh on his 17-track album QUIBONO?, and it stands out as one of its most memorable pieces. The song opens with a mellow, smoky jazz sample that immediately sets a moody, reflective tone. This production style is central to the track’s atmosphere, with 47 Quid creating a beat that feels timeless, smooth, and subtly melancholic. The instrumental’s warmth provides a perfect backdrop for Hollow Profit’s raw, introspective lyrics and Ben Beal’s thoughtful verse. This is hip-hop with a classic foundation, yet it carries a layered sound that’s fresh and grounded in the present.
“Birds & Bullets” is inspired in part by Ben Beal’s 2020 track “Birds Aren’t Real,” giving it an interesting conceptual twist. The title also nods to Hollow Profit’s alter ego, “Crimson Dot,” which brings a unique intensity to his lyrical delivery. There’s a sense of duality in the song: themes of violence and vulnerability, idealism and cynicism, are explored with nuance. Hollow Profit and Beal exchange verses that dive into personal struggle, ambition, and the social dynamics that shape their worlds. They don’t shy away from the tough topics, but instead tackle them head-on with a blend of introspection. The song’s lyrical structure is a highlight, featuring complex rhyme schemes and dense, impactful punchlines. Hollow Profit’s verses are meticulously crafted, his flow smooth yet assertive, as he uses his lyrical prowess to explore themes of survival and self-discovery. Ben Beal complements this energy perfectly, bringing his own introspective style that resonates well with the track’s reflective tone. Together, they create a powerful synergy, each verse enhancing the narrative depth of the song.
At its core, “Birds & Bullets” is a study in contrasts, combining raw, hard-hitting bars with a sense of vulnerability and depth that feels genuine and relatable. It’s a song that balances introspection with intensity, echoing Hollow Profit’s philosophy of using music as a medium for connection and motivation. For fans of classic hip-hop and boom bap, this track will undoubtedly resonate as a return to form, enriched by a modern sensibility that is uniquely Hollow Profit’s. As part of his album QUIBONO?, “Birds & Bullets” highlights Hollow Profit’s dedication to creating music that isn’t just catchy but meaningful. It’s an example of storytelling through hip-hop that reminds listeners why the genre continues to be such a powerful force in both personal and social expression.
Garcia Penned 🖊️
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