9.25.2024
Maxo Kream and Tyler, The Creator Unite For “Cracc Era” Single From the Houston Rapper’s Upcoming Album
Big Persona and Wolf Haley Reconnect Over One of Tyler’s Nastiest Beats, as Maxo Prepares for His First New Album Since 2021
Critical Praise:
“Every line arrives like deftly paced camerawork, as Maxo constructs a scene worthy of a Scorcese film.” – Rolling Stone
“The secret to keeping every song so effortless and flowing, regardless of subject matter, is in the phrasing. He can boil something as complicated as friends betraying each other down to a simple and clever line.” – Pitchfork
“Maxo Kream is one of the smartest, funniest, rawest rappers out of Houston (or anywhere), a gifted storyteller with a drawl that draws you in and an eye for detail that holds your attention” – Stereogum
“His best songs are stuffed with so many specific names and places that the listener has no choice but to believe what they’re hearing as true. It’s rare for me to believe anything a rapper says these days, but with Maxo it’s different. His vulnerability and clear-sighted perspective when recounting traumatic events leads me to believe Maxo is a reliable narrator” – Passion of the Weiss
“Houston rapper Maxo Kream has been dropping singles lately, and his conversational, melodic style remains addictive each time.” – BrooklynVegan
“His discography deals in-depth with the family struggle. It’s also a reminder for all of us to listen to the whole story. Otherwise, you inevitably miss a crucial piece of the incredibly complex puzzle of his life: poverty, gang culture, his complicated relationship with his parents as an immigrant son.” – NPR
The Song:
Maxo Kream uses his two-stepping flow to illustrate underworld stories over lurid and grimy soundscapes. Recruiting his friend Tyler, The Creator to supply one of his most evil beats to date, and to bless the track with his presence, Maxo shares “Cracc Era,” his new single. “Cracc Era” finds both artists turning back the clock, as Tyler delivers the atonal synths and relentless bass that marked his horrorcore era, while Maxo tells tales from the trap: “Way before I did this rappin’ I was out here jackin’ n****s/I mean like jackin’ was my skill, jack your pounds and jack your pills/Catch you lackin’ by the hill, we jackin’ n***s, Jack & Jill,” he spits. Backing up Big Persona, Tyler delivers his own manifesto, in a tongue-twisting 16: “N****, two-tone two door/Watchin’ Juno, you know/Who dem is when you see/N****s in them Unos,” intones Tyler. “Cracc Era” is the second collaboration between Maxo Kream and Tyler, The Creator, following “Big Persona” in 2021.
“Cracc Era” is the latest song in a torrid 2024 streak by Maxo Kream, Over the summer, the Houston native teamed with Surf Gang producer Evilgiane for the spritely “Eye Know.” The fast-paced single was his second acclaimed collaboration with Evilgiane, following January’s “Bang The Bus,” an ethereal and energetic offering that earned acclaim from Stereogum, Rap Radar, Hits DD, and more. Maxo used his music to process a loss in his family, paying tribute to his hero, his father Emekwanem Ibemakanam Ogugua Biosah Sr., aka Brandon Banks, who passed away earlier this year, in the single and music video for “No Then You a H*e,“ covered in Billboard, HotNewHipHop, Brooklyn Vegan, and more. He teamed up with fellow Texan That Mexican OT for “Talkin In Screw,” a syrupy tribute to DJ Screw and the South Texas rap scene.
Maxo is currently putting the finishing touches on the follow-up to his acclaimed 2021 album Weight Of The World, which earned critical acclaim from Pitchfork, NPR, Complex, and many others. The album featured collaborations with heavy-hitters including Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky, Don Toliver, and Freddie Gibbs, and was expanded with 2022’s Weight Of The World (Deluxe), adding features from Benny The Butcher, Anderson .Paak, Babyface Ray, and more. Maxo spent 2023 releasing more fiery collaborations, including “Bonecrusher” ft. Key Glock and “Whatchamacallit” ft. Luh Tyler
Now in better mental and physical shape than ever before–Maxo has lost more than 75 pounds over several months–Maxo is ready to make a statement with his next album. A holistic effort that draws from every era of his discovery, Maxo’s next album is the beginning of a new era for the Texas titan. Stay tuned for much more from Maxo Kream, as he continues to perfect his personas and honor his late father in 2024.
Stream “Cracc Era” ft. Tyler, The Creator: https://stompdown.lnk.to/craccera
Photo credit: Kevin Moon
Photo credit: Kevin Moon
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“Cracc Era” ft. Tyler, The Creator: https://stompdown.lnk.to/craccera
“Eye Know” (Prod. by Evilgiane): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvZtNhh16e4
“Talkin In Screw” ft. That Mexican OT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKnBQNyG-cM / https://stompdown.lnk.to/talkininscrew
“No Then You a H*e”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyXAz5Wh_oE
“Bang The Bus” (Prod. by Evilgiane): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rydJEwoZq0