If you make hip-hop in 2018, it seems like there are two paths for you to take: you can follow the SoundCloud rapper trends and find a young audience willing to ignore rapping ability in favor of catchy hooks, or you can hone your technical skill and storytelling craft at the cost of sounding overly nostalgic. S’natra is one of the interesting up-and-coming rappers who doesn’t seem to be committing to either of these camps. Over the 10 songs off his latest release Subject to Change, the Harlem rapper confidently switches up styles while maintaining a glamorized and distinctly New York style of hip-hop. Tracks like “Off Key” offers up tales of trapping and police brutality over syrupy and snappy production, while “Can’t See Me” is a gritty and grand take on the more soulful stylings. The title of this project is more than a motto; it’s a creed that sets out to find the balance between old and new schools of thought. The melodies and drum selections are obviously more modern, but the way they blend and transition to verses featuring engaging recitations of the past is a talent of a bygone era. S’natra is one of the few emcees who is simultaneously fighting against and indulging in contemporary techniques, and it’s a winning combination. You can stream the entire release below and catch him live at Baby’s All Right on August 25. -Tucker Pennington
