It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Portland rapper HANiF. With No Clout, the rapper isn’t focused on anything but the music he enjoys. He’s never been one to follow trends or adhere to the “norm.” From previously holding the self-titled crown of King Of The Northwest to “retiring” from hip-hop to launch his barbershop. No Clout was released via the old school format of having to pay to listen, but that’s the only thing old school about it.
Stream 3 Songs For Free Or Purchase No Clout Here
In a day and age where EVERYONE wants to be a rapper and vanity number behind streaming reign supreme, HANiF uses the title No Clout in every facet of the release. The project is only available for purchase. No streaming services, no social media promo clips, and no care to numbers. No bragging, no boasting, just music.
Most barbers want to be rappers, and it’s no secret that the rapper gave listeners a quality catalog and many years of his life. HANiF took a step back from publicly releasing music and has been building multiple businesses. He’s been proving there are more routes to putting out quality music than the typical lane.
HANiF, formerly known as Luck-One, built one of the most respected catalogs and careers in out of the PNW. Back when I lived in Portland in 2008/09, you couldn’t find an area in the city where hip-hop lived without seeing a Luck-One flyer or CD. His Beautiful Music album alongside producer Dekk will go in the PNW hip-hop hall of fame.
It’s been incredible watching the emcee grow over the years in his artistry, business, and as a man. HANiF comes from the hardest and humblest of circumstances and poured his heart into art and performances that took him around the globe. He hasn’t become a household name but he’s done what few artists are able to do. Transcend into being “real life successful” and come back and give the people passion on wax for simply that, passion.
The tone of the album is set perfectly on the intro over a jazzy sax backed beat provided by TOPE. The bars set the tone for the game listeners are about to consume throughout the album and the outro ad-libs cutting up let you know HANiF is back on rappers heads. Rolling right into my favorite record “RIP”, the rapper continues with the theme of the album, real shit and nothing for clout. The next few records “AMTBN”, “Field Trips”, and another standout “Bankstrip” featuring TOPE show that HANiF is ready to eat any beat or flow he’s missed during his absence. The tracklist caps off showing that he’s got rap covered from where it’s been to where it’s at now. The last two records settle back into a more laid back soulful feel that’s reminiscent of the Beautiful Music that established the rapper on a wider platform.
This album is refreshing. Truly refreshing. The music, beats, and bars are great, and the production from TOPE really shines through. The story told on “No Clout” is one for the ages. And the inspiration, that won’t stop here. As I eclipse my third listen through, I can’t help but trace back to HANiF’s bars on a previous release over Mac Millers “BDE Freestyle” instrumental.
“and if I don’t make it as nothing other than local, how can that be a determent of giving it what I did.”
It’s safe to say bro has made it significantly further than local rap. Take some victory laps for the love and let whoever is hungry eat the game from this music.Go cop “No Clout” and support local music!
All production by TOPE (expect co-production by Anthony Danza on LLC)
