As multifarious the opportunities are to self-produce and self-promote in this technology driven era, true talent will always prevail among over saturated hype. Putting out singles and features since 2016, Marcelo finally dropped his debut album Outta Luck as a member of Hollow Squad, a sub-collective of the elusive Seshollowaterboyz. The artist must be recognized as an outstanding producer, having produced for Lil Wintr, cholopunx, and a Xavier Wulf x madeintyo track (to name just a few of many). His tight, clean refinements successfully tie his sound and other vocalists together. It’s exciting to hear the growing professionalism in Outta Luck; a mature exhibit of Marcelo’s rapping and singing abilities accompanied by an array of excellent contributing producers throughout. An honest disclosure of the trials and tribulations within the industry, Marcelo keeps it real while adding kindle to the fire.
photo by @reallyrazzyy
Outta Luck is a glimpse into the life that Marcelo came from and continues to grow both into and out of. In the Dirt (prod. Clibbo) and All Blue (prod. Ric & Hella Sketchy) kick off the album with mid-tempo, humble admissions to life as Marcelo knows it. He worked his way up from scratch, and knows to stay grounded when material distractions tempt to veer him from his upward path. Phantom (prod. Ric) is an exposure to those who have come into Marcelo’s life only to ask and give nothing in return. Whether this be a musical relationship, friendship, or romantic interest, he turns his back to leeches: “Why you come to me like I got somethin’ to hand ya?”
Puzzle (prod. Ginseng) questions the integrity within loyalty and honesty. “Lookin’ like you something, you not, are you in or you not” pokes holes in the front that many claim as false reputation. The most acclaimed track off the album, Not Enough (prod. Shiro & Ric), is a catchy composition about grown-up crushes. Friends (prod. Shiro & Ric) ironically follows with “Why you sayin’ that you gonna be my friend? Does that mean that you betray me in the end?” Whether he refers to a romantic interest or a platonic friendship, he demonstrates how quickly the people closest to you can turn their backs. It’s an unfortunate reality that we all have to keep our guards up, because the only person there for you at the end of the day is yourself.
The mood shifts from bitter disappointment to self-preservation with Wingspan (prod. Og Abi). Rightfully hyping himself up, Marcelo carves his space in the scene: “Try to match my wingspan, you gonna get flattened.” Another well-received track, Full Tank (prod. Bbasedtj), has a cooly crafted message with an island beat. “You scared, you can’t compete, but there’s no competition.” A front-runner in his genre, Marcelo earned his bragging rights. Finally, No More (prod. Ric & Kunu) takes us home with lasting words that will carry us until his next release. Once a struggling artist trying to catch a break, Marcelo no longer has to make a name for himself. He is a name to be remembered and reckoned with, and Outta Luck is his shining portfolio.
It’s been some time since the umbrella within the SESH collective has gained new members, and it’s only fitting that Marcelo would round out the already fierce Hollow Squad. It’s uncertain when his next big project will be announced, but we’re sure he’s cooking up more heat for the near future. For now, we hope he can reap the praise from his debut album and continue to grow as an emblematic artist.