happytree; Hip-Hop's Guru

I want to introduce you all to an artist who I believe is going to bring something new to rap music and music in general. An artist who's sound, aesthetic and message is EXACTLY what we need in today's culture. This is happytree (stylized with a lowercase h) and his music is a movement.

It all started when this 20-year-old Michigan-based artist was given the chance to rap in his choir in third or fourth grade. "The choir director wrote my first rap for me but performing it to an audience was all I needed to wanna pursue this dream."

At first making parodies of popular songs by rewriting the lyrics and adding his own verses, happytree has been making music for four years.

He raps because it is a way for him to release his thoughts. "I think words are very powerful and rap is just a medium for the message I want the audience to receive."

In his songs and even in his name you can see who he is as a person. "I'm more about people accepting themselves honestly. My music touches on my flaws and how I grow from negative experiences. I hope when people listen they can hear that and get a sense of comfort and acceptance." The meaning behind his name stems from a goal of his to be happy and keep growing.

In every song happytree makes you hear more and more about who he is as a person. The way he displays his insecurities and his solutions to them makes him relatable and somewhat of a teacher.

Unlike most artist, happytree's city does not influence his sound. His chill and mellow sound has differed from the typical aggressive, trap, hype sound that culture has centered around.

He has a sound reminisce of Noname mixed with Odd-Future and Tribe. He describes it as, "chill, insightful music", and you can hear this the track 2 am off of his mixtape Growth.

"That's just what I feel; chill, smooth, & jazzy resonates with me more than these 808 heavy tracks that are popular now. I mean don't get me wrong, they're catchy, but they just all kinda blend together. I want to do it my way and see what happens."

happytree's way is definitely smooth & jazzy yet, it is mixed with this new school vibe that elevates and reinvents the sound. He delivers sweet and soulful vocals/ melodies mixed with thoughtful bars. Tracks like FlyAF, Burning Up and Bliss really showcase this.

What I like most about his music is just how encouraging it is and how instead of just talking about fucking chicks and making money he's talking about something personal. happytree treats the beat like a diary, and it's really refreshing to see in an artist so young. Personally, this is music I can relate to and I honestly can't wait for the next tape to drop.

You can follow him on SoundCloud here and on Instagram here