HDBEENDOPE: 2023’S BEST LINE IN HIP HOP
“Oh, you thought I was done?” We listen on repeat to HDBeenDope’s breakout hit “Mamba” and wonder, who is that line directed at, is it a joke, a celebration, a comeback, a burn? Uniquely both a question and a statement, it captures the kind of intense feelings many of us have experienced but haven’t quite put to words, and HD has eloquently given that to us – this year’s best line in hip hop.
“Oh, you thought I was done?” The line playfully challenges anyone who dares to question the longevity and path of HD’s success, and when listeners apply the lyric to their own lives, it has deservingly become one of the most powerful phrases of the year, an anthem, if you will, for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated, for anyone who’s climbed a mountain, for anyone who is being seen for the first time.
“What people will be seeing from me are things that I’ve written down years ago, it’s happening,” HD tells Hype at a meet-and-greet event at Roc Nation, where HD signed just over a year ago. According to the label, HD brings charisma, style, energy, lyricism and a unique creative approach.
As 2023 comes to a close, HD has proven to be Roc Nation’s Hip Hop heavyweight earning the co-signs of DJ Khaled and Rapsody. And with “Mamba,” he’s rapidly made an indelible mark in the sports world, with stars like Jimmy Butler, Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James using the song’s audio to amplify their Instagram reels to inking music deals with the NFL, MLB and NBA.
We caught up with HD before the holidays and were excited to learn about a freestyle track dropping December 28, 2023, part of Roc Nation’s takeover with From the Block. The track, “BDB” and its accompanying visual, features special ties and homage to DMX, such as an eye-catching performance of HD in front of Floyd Simmons’ iconic mural in Yonkers, New York.
“It’s a record that I’m super, super proud of,” says HD. “DMX is one of my favorite artists, he’s super potent and authentic, I appreciate that, and I always wanted to put that in all my writing. I just be trying to carry on that legacy of getting the inspiration and giving it back out!”
You can listen and view “BDB” HERE.
HD truly crafts his music from a producer’s mindset, and as listeners, we in turn appreciate how every word, beat and visual asset are intentional. Thanks HD, and we look forward to seeing your growth and evolution, getting the dopest style inspo (we’ll be rocking a hoodie under overalls from now on thanks to you), and of course coming back every time for the freestyling.
— Hype Off Life
