The music industry, known for its glamour and fast-paced lifestyle, often masks the personal struggles artists endure behind the scenes. For M-Hunt, those struggles have become a core part of his identity as an artist. His rise in the hip-hop scene isn’t one fueled by instant success or viral moments but by resilience, determination, and the willingness to embrace personal reinvention. In a world where many artists present a fabricated persona, M-Hunt’s authenticity and transparency about his life experiences make him stand out. M-Hunt’s path hasn’t been a smooth one. After stepping down from a full-time position in a toxic work environment, M-Hunt found himself facing multiple challenges at once. He was back in school, despite previously swearing he’d never return, went through a difficult breakup, and experienced financial struggles. While many would view these setbacks as overwhelming, for M-Hunt, they served as the inspiration to focus on what truly mattered to him—music. His decision to put everything on “The Line” became more than just a declaration but a testament to his unwavering commitment to the art.
In his own words, M-Hunt admits that this was the moment he realized music wasn’t just a passion; it was his calling. His upcoming single, fittingly titled “The Line,” represents this pivotal moment in his career. Collaborating with DDK on the track, he uses it as an outlet to express the internal battles he faced during one of the most challenging periods of his life.
M-Hunt’s songwriting process is as dynamic as his career. Sometimes, a beat sparks a creative flow, while at other times, a song title comes first, dictating the theme and direction. His approach to music is fluid, often evolving mid-process, allowing for spontaneous bursts of creativity. This flexibility is key to his artistry, helping him balance structure with freedom.
What stands out for M-Hunt, however, is his love for writing. The craft of piecing words together into coherent stories, filled with emotional depth, is what truly excites him. “Writing is my favorite part of the process,” he says, revealing that the creation of lyrics is where he feels most at home.
In terms of influence, M-Hunt’s music is a melting pot of both classic and contemporary hip-hop. Early inspirations like Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Cordae shaped his formative years. However, in recent times, artists such as Future, Baby Keem, Denzel Curry, JID, and the late Mac Miller have pushed him to evolve and explore new sonic landscapes. Interestingly, M-Hunt also cites himself as a source of inspiration, often using his older tracks as a benchmark to push himself to new creative heights. He acknowledges the importance of growth, knowing that even his past music, which reflected a more immature phase, was necessary to evolve into the artist he is today.
M-Hunt’s self-awareness sets him apart. Growing up in a suburban neighborhood, he admits that his earlier attempts at rapping felt forced—imitating the personas of his favorite rappers instead of telling his own story. Rapping about money, guns, and a lifestyle that didn’t reflect his reality, M-Hunt realized that to be successful, he had to be genuine. “I just gotta tell MY story,” he notes. And telling his story has unlocked a new level of artistry. M-Hunt’s path to finding his voice wasn’t just about his lyrics—it was about presenting himself as an artist in a way that was true to his own experience. “I’m white, from a good boring town, with a good family. I’m not who you would think,” M-Hunt reflects, speaking on how his art serves as a reflection of his personal journey rather than the tough exterior he once tried to emulate.
His ability to captivate audiences became evident when he performed live for the first time as a headliner in Richmond, Virginia, in 2022. It was a defining moment, one that confirmed his place on stage and allowed him to connect directly with the fans. While his live performances are still few in number, the energy he brings to each one is palpable, and M-Hunt thrives on the interaction with both fans and non-fans alike.
Beyond the beats and bars, M-Hunt’s music carries a profound message of hope. His struggles with bullying and harassment during his youth left deep scars, but rather than letting them define him, he chose to persevere. “Life gets better, no matter what you’re going through,” M-Hunt emphasizes. Through his music, he seeks to inspire those who may be facing similar hardships, urging them to push forward and live life on their terms.
His journey from a boy with low confidence to an artist who believes in his own potential is something that resonates in every song he creates. M-Hunt’s ultimate goal is to instill hope in those who were once like him—lost, unsure, and struggling to find their voice.
With new music on the horizon, M-Hunt shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming album, You Wouldn’t Understand, is set for an early 2025 release, and it promises to deliver a deeper dive into his thoughts, experiences, and artistic evolution. The album’s first single, “The Line,” has already generated buzz, and rumors about his collaboration with Kato on the track “Nillionaire” have fans eagerly awaiting more.
The album’s title alone speaks volumes—You Wouldn’t Understand suggests a level of introspection and complexity that only those who’ve walked a similar path could truly appreciate. It’s a raw, unapologetic exploration of life’s ups and downs, showcasing M-Hunt’s ability to channel his pain and frustration into art.
When asked about the state of the music industry, M-Hunt offers a candid perspective. “The industry is insane right now,” he says, noting that while the quality of music has improved in recent years, he still has reservations about the dominance of “mumble rap” during his early years. Though he respects artists like Lil Pump and 6ix9ine for their success, M-Hunt acknowledges that their music doesn’t resonate with him personally. Yet, he understands the impact they’ve made, using their rise as motivation to carve his own lane in the industry.
Looking forward, M-Hunt is focused on both the creative and business sides of his career. Currently back in school studying business, he’s using his education to further understand the industry from a financial perspective. It’s a savvy move that sets him apart from other artists who may not fully grasp the complexities of the music business.
M-Hunt’s journey is far from over. With his career steadily gaining momentum, his sights are set not on fame or fortune but on leaving a lasting impact. His dream collaborations, like working with Billie Eilish, reflect his desire to create meaningful art that transcends genre boundaries. For M-Hunt, success isn’t measured by awards or accolades, but by the ability to inspire others through his story.
In a few years, M-Hunt hopes his career will have evolved enough to support him financially, but more importantly, he wants his music to continue resonating with listeners who may find comfort in his words. As he puts it, “I’ve already accomplished more than I thought I could,” and with his unwavering passion and work ethic, the future looks bright for this rising artist.
You can follow M-Hunt’s journey and music on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube:
© 2024, Variety Press. All rights reserved.
Source link
