On September 6, 2024, independent rapper and producer Mike37 released his debut album, Hot Air Balloon, drawing significant attention in the hip-hop and alternative music scene. The 17-year-old artist, based in Milan, Italy, showcases his multifaceted skills as a DJ, producer, and vocalist across 12 tracks that seamlessly blend elements of rap, soul, and pop.
The album features an intriguing mix, merging sharp-edged rap and soulful melodies enhanced with dreamy trap vibes. Tracks range from intimate soul expressions to dynamic spoken word pieces, showcasing his depth as an artist. Notably, the standout single Put Your Camera Down presents aggressive synths and heavy 808 beats alongside incisive lyrics commenting on social media culture.
Mike37's ability to cross genres is further exemplified by collaborations with artists like Skyler, Uno Hype, Tiffany Evans, and Amy Fitz Doyley, all of whom contribute distinct sounds without overshadowing the lead artist's vision. Recorded at Fiery Water Recordings Studio and polished at Abbey Road by Alex Gordon, the technical work on the album is highly commendable.
Listeners can stream Hot Air Balloon on all major platforms, including Spotify. For updates, fans can follow Mike37 through various channels including Instagram and Facebook.