3.3.2023

Video: MBNel – “Other Side” ft. Doodie Lo

Critical Praise:

“He just has this way of telling his truthful, eye-opening story in such a manner that is not only compelling but it’s told in such a way that it’s like he’s reliving every moment as he makes his way throughout each narrative. Not only this, but he is able to incorporate some of that trademark West Coast bounce into his music so that way it doesn’t sound like he’s just preaching to you, as it sounds with so many other artists in the industry.” – Lyrical Lemonade

“MBNel wasn’t built to lose.” – XXL

The Video:

MBNel makes waves on the West Coast with his snapping rhymes, natural sense of melody, and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Teaming up with an equally raw rapper from another part of the country, Nel shares “Other Side,” a new collaboration with OTF spitter Doodie Lo. A sinister slapper complete with haunting choirs, mournful violins, and percolating piano, “Other Side” finds both rappers declaring war against their doubters. Nel unleashes a fastpaced flow, flexing on his status as Stockton’s top shotta and warning his opps about the demons on his payroll. Doodie Lo keeps the demonic energy going, spitting at the top of his lungs with his signature rasp and complementing Nel’s intricate patter with blunt and direct wordplay. In the video, the two trench babies make an imposing duo as they take a Benz down California backstreets and flash their VVS ice.

Following in the wake of Nel’s recent single “Don’t Say,” the hard-hitting “Other Side” is the latest glimpse of Started In The South, the Stockton, CA native’s next EP. Arriving as Nel grows into his role as a grassroots star in the West Coast scene, the new EP finds him reflecting on his success and paying homage to the streets that raised him. The “south” in the EP’s title refers to its position at the bottom of the map–Nel started at the bottom, but he’s quickly emerging from his circumstances off the strength of his authentic anthems. Spanning five tracks, the Started In The South EP arrives on March 17th via Muddy Boyz/EMPIRE.

MBNel ended 2022 on a hot streak, releasing songs like the devastating ballad “Fadeaway,” dedicated to the memory of a fan who recently passed away, and “Toxic,” a relationship drama and duet with the rising singer Haben. Born and raised in Stockton, a city in Central Cali with a busy rap scene, MBNel built a reputation on the West Coast for his combination of hummable melodies and relatable trench tales. The 25-year-old artist has a loyal following who respond to his naked authenticity, a quality on display on his 2021 project No Hard Feelings. In the wake of last year’s success, Nel is challenging himself artistically, pushing the boundaries of his sound as he continues to express his truth.

Stay tuned for more from MBNel.

Watch “Other Side” ft. Doodie Lo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdlKy-v3naA

Stream “Other Side” ft. Doodie Lo: https://music.empi.re/otherside

Please contact Michelle or Chris for more info.

The Background:

“I’m not afraid to delve deeper than what’s on the surface,” explains MBNel. “I make music like a journal.” From South Stockton’s 8th Street, Nel’s accounts of life can be grim. He achieved millions of streams through rapping about navigating the codes of the streets in the Northern California city, his Filipino-American upbringing, and trying to make a way through music. However, the 25-year-old is challenging himself and his sound. Songs like the 2021’s “Opulent,” “Shooting Stars,” and “Manifested” have been close to the heart while demonstrating depth and range that transcends rap music. Those three tracks—each at 2 million streams or better—have showcased Nel’s melodic delivery, honest songwriting, and ability to uplift audiences around the globe. “I’ve been experimenting with a whole bunch of different sounds,” he shares as he continues to amplify and expand a self-made career with a series of dynamic singles in the upcoming months.