Hailing from the Bay Area, Michael Sneed delivers humble, introspective lyrics, often as a reflection of his journey through young adulthood and a multifaceted creative trying to make it. Through witty one-liners and infectious lyricism, his brand of hip-hop is permeated with themes of mental health and perseverance intertwined with humor.

Michael has a story that many can relate to—moving out of state for college, racking up student loans, and dealing with post-college depression just to find out you’re passionate about something else. He moved to Washington, D.C., at the age 17 where he started performing at local venues and making waves around the city. Although it wasn’t long before he had to move back home and that’s when he decided it was time to pursue his career as a musician.

Michael Sneed first burst onto the underground hip-hop scene through singles such as “Hula Hoop” and “Mulan.” Amongst one of his most commercially successful releases is “Hop Scotch,” produced by Andrew Bearford, it’s an exciting record that gives fans a glimpse of the artist’s energetic and impassioned approach. Despite the record only being his third release, it was picked up for HBO’s Insecure Season 4, which further helped the song propel into popularity. Another favorite of ours, “Reinvent” featuring O-Slice, followed after shortly—both appearing on his first full-length project.

On his debut project, Days We Lost, Sneed pulls from funk and gospel for a thematic coming-of-age spectacle full of elastic word-sound collages. Production-wise, collaborator Wax Roof uses hopeful, major-key melodies and layers on immersive, technicolor sounds with his sonic paintbrush in his moving compositions. Features from demahijae, who appears on “Collard Greens,” help round the mixtape out and set the tone for his forthcoming releases. This past year, Michael Sneed signaled his return with “Paw Patrol” and its accompanying visual, a wonderful sight for rap fans of the rising starlet.

Already kicking off the new year with a bang, Sneed has been dropping off a batch of surefire freestyles that hopefully signify new music on the way soon. In the meantime, stream Michael Sneed’s discography below.

In other music news, R&B starlet Kate Stewart is reclaiming her sound with “Hate You.”