A Man Behind a Movement: ENRGY Beats
ENRGY beats is already one of the most influential producers in 2020 rap music. He is from Michigan, and has been feeding his region with the illest beats. A few weeks ago I wrote about the viral success of “Coochie” by Flint artists Louie Ray and YN Jay. The ENRGY produced record is only getting bigger. The record now sits at #5 on the United States viral chart on Spotify. In addition to a great internet buzz, the song has made its way into many house party playlists. Yet that’s not ENRGY’s only entry on the chart. “Brace Yourself” by Zenorachi is the number one slot on the list as of August 13th. Zenorachi’s record benefited from a strong Tik Tok buzz.
ENRGY masterfully positioned himself at the helm Midwestern rap music. Here’s how:
Took Over Flint
He collaborated with legendary Flint figures like Rio Da Yung Og, RMC Mike, KrispyLifeKidd, and YSR Gramz. Detroit is historically regarded as the more lively rap scene than Flint. Yet ENRGY’s unique style enabled the region to flourish and develop its own sound and character. Rio Da Yung Og seems to be fan favorites among all of the Flint artists. His music has taken over cities throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and in the Bay. About a year ago, ENRGY and Rio connected for “Legendary.” When it blew up, this song was crucial in bringing the Flint sound to a national audience.
Produced Joe Exotic
Bfb da Packman is from Flint, but differs from the other artists in the scene in that his music is much more lighthearted. Da Packman is an endearing character who held down a mailman job as his rap career ignited. When he collaborated with Detroit’s Sada Baby on “Free Joe Exotic” he tapped on ENRGY to make the beat. This collab made a huge splash and ran up high numbers on streaming platforms. At this point, that song is basically an anthem.
Slump AK
I really don’t know where Slump AK is from but he has gained a cult following on the internet. AK’s memey and entertaining style is part of a larger trend of glitch core, and experimental rap music that Tik Tok has popularized. “Syrup” is AK’s biggest song and it is produced by ENRGY. AK’s music is an overwhelming experience to say the least. It sounds like it was recorded on an airpods microphone and haunting cackles back AK’s hysterical, and absurdist lyrics.
Welcome to Coochie Land
Louie Ray and YN Jay both benefited from the blessing of Flint icons, RMC Mike and Rio Da Yung Og. Their cosign was the first of a string of events which led to the success of “Coochie.” Just like Slump and Bfb Da Packman, this is another song by ENRGY that feels playful and fun. The beat is extremely danceable and thousands of Tik Tok and Triller users danced to this beat. This song is doing bullish numbers and is largely thanks to the sick instrumental.
Brace Yourself Goes Viral
As I said earlier, “Brace Yourself” by Zenorachi is the most viral song in the U.S. over these past two days according to Spotify. With an assist from Tik Tok, the song has been streamed over 2 million times in the past month. It is only the young rapper’s second career release. He hails from Birmingham, Michigan, and his music is different from any of the other artists in this article. “Brace Yourself” is an unsettling, cold track. I mean that in the best way possible. Zenorachi makes it clear that he’s unstable and proclaims “I be doing weird shit when I’m alone.” He feels menacing and strong. This image is fortified by a lush, string heavy instrumental from ENRGY. Zenorachi recently signed with Sony and has a bright career ahead of him.
ENRGY’s music is a force in today’s hip hop landscape. His placements throughout 2020 have been stunningly impactful as he carves out his own sonic lane. It is remarkable that the major artists he produces for all have distinctive styles. In the era of type beats, producers are often grouped into a movement composed of similar sounding artists. His big records thus far, “Syrup,” “Brace Yourself,” “Free Joe Exotic,” and “Legendary,” all have their own flavors. Keep an eye out for ENRGY.
Written by Ben Sauberman