5.30.2022

Video: Merlyn Wood – “GREEN LIGHT” (Prod. by CONNIE)

The Texas-via-Ghana Rapper Lives a Fully Customizable Life in the N64-Inspired Video for His First Post-BROCKHAMPTON Single

Critical Praise:

“Of Brockhampton’s members, Merlyn Wood stands out as the most entertaining and unhinged of them all.” – HotNewHipHop

“Best New Tracks” – HYPEBEAST

“”S.Y.K.” contains all of the best parts of Brockhampton from the last several years, especially the futuristic feel of 2018’s iridescence, and smashes them together with snares straight out of a SOPHIE sample pack.” – NPR

“Merlyn Wood has always stood out for bringing maximum energy to every BROCKHAMPTON track. Whether that was on “1999 WILDFIRE,” “WINDOWS,” or “ZIPPER,” his rambunctious rapping style consistently stands out.” – Sheesh Media

The Video:

Boundlessly energetic with a bottomless arsenal of unconventional flows, Merlyn Wood is a wizard on the mic. Ready to step out on his own, and hell bent on making sure listeners are ready too, Merlyn shares “GREEN LIGHT,” his new video. Armed with a stank face-inducing beat from CONNIE, an artist and frequent collaborator of Merlyn’s who produced JELEEL!’s hit “DIVE IN,” the Houston rapper launches himself head first into his verse, coming down on each syllable like a ton of bricks as he annihilates his opposition: “I woke up feeling like a Gucci ad-lib/I am a real n**** that is not in Paris/You a fatherless b*tch and that is apparent/You ain’t got no style, b*tch you a parrot.” The forceful hook proves that the emcee is champing at the bit to show the world what he’s capable of: “Green light!/Green light!/Motherf*cking go time, green light!”

Directed by Miggy, the new video for “GREEN LIGHT” gets its power from Merlyn’s wide-eyed charisma, taking inspiration from video games and Merlyn’s freewheeling lifestyle. The 26-year-old artist fires up his Nintendo 64, which magically works without a cartridge and allows him to instantly customize everything in his life–from his outfit, to his whip, to his girl. Rocking ski goggles in the Cali sunshine with a mischievous smile on his face, Merlyn is enjoying life as master of his own domain.

A member of BROCKHAMPTON from 2012 until its final performance at this year’s Coachella, Merlyn Wood made his mark as the most outgoing and eccentric member of the groundbreaking band. Born in Ghana and raised in Houston, the artist credits both places as major influences on his vibrant and lively vocal style. Though he occasionally released music outside of the framework of BROCKHAMPTON, Merlyn spent the early part of 2022 laying the groundwork for his foray into solo stardom, sharing his CONNIE-produced single “S.Y.K.” in February to praise from NPR, HYPEBEAST, and more. Beyond music, the artist plans to continue expand his universe of King Arthur-inspired ventures with A Really Round Table (ARRT), which aims to bring different communities together through unique goods, human-connection events, and philanthropy–a portion of all revenue will go toward solving hunger in Ghana.

The first of four singles in four weeks, “GREEN LIGHT” is just the beginning of Merlyn’s rise. In the artist’s own words: “It’s motherf*cking go time, green light!”

Watch “GREEN LIGHT”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGLuho8HsGI

Buy/Stream “GREEN LIGHT”: https://orcd.co/greenlight_

Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.

The Background:

For Merlyn Wood, his only option is sticking out from the crowd. Being coined the most energetic, shameless, and dynamic member of BROCKHAMPTON was no accident for Merlyn, but rather an intentional decision born from feeling like an outsider most of his life. In a group so large, it can be easy to fade into the background — “If you already feel like you don’t belong, you might as well get comfortable standing out”, he so plainly states. From becoming several viral memes to playing world tours to earning Platinum and Gold records, Merlyn has proven over and over again that his can’t-take-your-eyes-off-of-me energy is exactly what will make him BROCKHAMPTON’s breakout star.

Now, Merlyn is setting his own stage by leaping into the solo limelight with an ambition that mirrors his own personality: 4 singles and 4 videos in 4 weeks. In numerology, 444 signifies the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. One might think to chalk this up to mere coincidence, but perhaps this is Merlyn’s way of further signaling this new era for himself. His time has come, his work is paying off, and we’re about to witness the magic happen.