It’s easy to hate on thirteen year old rapper Matt Ox. After all, in the past year, the hip hop world has been subjected to a torrent of juvenile ‘artists,’ (a term to be loosely applied here,) who have capitalized on internet fame to launch their rap careers. From Lil Tay to Bhad Bhabie, these teenagers, pre-teens and children have experienced a myriad of successes and failures. But regardless of their record sales or lack thereof, each has done their part in establishing the youth as an annoying voice in the modern rap game. But let it be said here and now that Matt Ox is not to be lumped into this group of memes and talk show tyrants. In his debut album titled, “Ox,” Matt Ox proves his worth, showing that there is far more to him than the fame derived from his fidget- spinning viral video, “Overwhelming.”
Over atmospheric beats produced by North Philadelphia’s Working On Dying production collective, Matt Ox experiments with a variety of styles. From sing-song melodic hooks to choppy rap chanting, Ox’s execution is far beyond his years. And yet, it is his very adolescence that makes this album enticing. The perfect example of this youthful experimentation is my favorite song off the album titled “Ya Dig.” Here, Ox chants, “Got a hunnid racks no deal, made it out the mud, dirty Phil,” then sings “Pull up I’m ballin your shoes getting creased, I’m what your lil bro wanted to be.” There is something particularly enjoyable about this blend of heat and juvenility, as one can laugh at his lyrics yet can’t help nodding along.
Matt Ox still has a ways to go in finding his voice. But this album certainly proves that his come-up is worth following. If there were any question of his capability, Ox silences that doubt. The very idea that Working on Dying has taken him under their wing says more than enough about his talent, as their approval places Ox with the likes of Drake and Lil Uzi Vert (WOD produced Drake’s “I’m Upset,” and are producing the upcoming Lil Uzi Vert album). Likewise, Ox not only garnered features from Chief Keef and Valee, but held his own on the muddy and persistent beats they share. This speaks volumes to what Ox could become once he’s found his stride.
For now, I’m a fan. Sure, there are moments in the album that aren’t great, but his charisma quickly overrides those faults. His lyrical development has a long way to go but his ability to find his own groove on the beat is a far more important indicator of his potential. Besides, HE’S THIRTEEN! Are we really to expect the wordsmithing of a seasoned rapper? Furthermore, since when, in the modern rap era, did the lyrics really matter? It’s all about the vibe, and with Matt Ox, the vibe is alive and well. •
