Hollow Profit (aka Brody Burke) has finally released his debut album, "CUIBONO?" a 17-track odyssey that connects golden-era boom-bap with razor-sharp modern lyricism. From beginning to end, it's a raw passage through soulful beats that twinkle and rot, the rich artifice of introspective storytelling and raw, gritty realism, an album that doesn't merely pose the question, "Who benefits?" but responds in terms of irrepressible creative power.
"Sicilian Gold" sets the tone out of the gate, a Ghostface Killah-meets-Westside Gunn-inspired anthem that oozes ambition and opulence. With Detroit's Ronnie Alpha bringing the untamed energy, it's an instant classic collaboration that's awash in nostalgia and street slick. Ares K. featuring Ben Beal, "Birds and Bullets" (2023)Benny Beal flips his 2020 hit into a hypnotic, jazz-infused boom-bap banger in "Birds and Bullets," in which Hollow Profit goes bar-for-bar with the star.
"CUIBONO?" shines in its solo moments. Tracks like "Red Roon" and "Eggnog" shine, revealing Hollow Profit's knack for finding a balance between haunting introspection and infectious rhythm. His raspy, hypnotic flow sits comfortably with 47 Quid's productions, which warp genre standards but still half-mourn and half-worship hip-hop's long, glittering history.
"CUIBONO?" is a statement. Hollow Profit doesn't only rhyme. He reflects, critiques, and builds narratives whisk listeners deep into his universe. Clocking in at 43 minutes.