Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing but it’s how we choose to answer that defines us. In the case of New York-based rapper, THOTO, a career destined for sport was unfortunately erased by an untimely death but THOTO realised he must channel his steely grit and determination to his fascination with music in order to provide for himself and his family. Flash-forward to the present day and THOTO emerges with his new EP, O.T.W.T (released 21/01/22); a project of visceral energy, backed by the seal of prestige from the AWGE label to give further proof of this trailblazer’s rising stance within the hip-hop scene.
From a young age, THOTO’s conception of music – and its innate power – was gifted by his parents with R&B and hip-hop titans, such as Keyshia Cole and Big L, being a common soundtrack to his home life. THOTO soon found his own way to harness such power and his career thus far has been marked by a staple sound of dark, experimental hip-hop, with flourishes of rock scattered amongst his deeply woven narratives with O.T.W.T being no exception.
The intro lead track, Un Méchant, sets the project’s tone with a murder of crows scoring its opening moments before being shattered by a three-pronged assault of ruthless bass, head-bobbing hi-hats and THOTO’s own delivery of malice and menace. that permeates through each of the EPs seven hits. With other highlights like the infectious rock-focused hook on Diamonds or the poignancy of THOTO’s spoken-word passage on Monopoly, it’s no wonder that the A$AP Mob have seen THOTO for his raw talent, having featured him on their online website features for his previous EP Sinister.
With the EP unleashed to the public, and certain to make a huge wave within its own scene, THOTO remains a stunning figure of determination and triumph against adversity with a bright and successful future being nothing short of certain.
O.T.W.T is available everywhere soon! For now be sure to connect with THOTO below: