How Bleeding Krystals Reinforces Richmond’s Place in Hip Hop
Richmond Rap is on the rise, and Skinnyy Hendrixx is leading the charge with his latest EP, Bleeding Krystals. His work draws comparisons to icons like Kendrick Lamar, showcasing the depth and talent emerging from Richmond’s vibrant Hip-Hop scene
The clock struck noon on Friday 11/22 and the Black parable heard around the world resounded.
“Kendrick dropped”
We, like everyone else, hurried to our cars or headphones at work to tune in and dissect Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, GNX. GNX is a choppy compilation like mixtape reminiscent of music specific for the tape deck era. A time where muscle cars projected feel good music banging from its subs & tweeters. A full record of love songs, hip-hop, and soul. Much like a mixtape.
However, on this same divine date & time in the state & capital of lovers, Skinnyy Hendrixx dropped his Bleeding Krystals EP. A simple yet conscious piece of art that fills and fore fronts what both artists (and us normal folk) seemingly struggle with. Legacy, success, dichotomy, mortality, spirituality and one’s relationship with God.
Skinnyy reflects K. Dot’s similar sentiments of past lives with lines like, “Trismegistus thrice born / It’s Skinnyy Hendrixx in my light form / But, Rell in the flesh.”
It is no wonder or coincidence that both of these Gemini Sun Kings dropped their projects on the same numerically angelic date of 11/22. The number itself compliments duality. The very essence of both artists & their constant struggle to choose the “good” side of their whole self. After many hours of digesting these musical buffets, we realized that BNX although conscious, was K. Dot’s angry love letter to the people. Where as Hendrixx allows us to coast through similar musings.
5 Reasons Bleeding Krystals is the Perfect Palate Cleanser After Kendrick’s BNX
Similar Themes: Legacy and Future Generations
Both Bleeding Krystals by Skinnyy Hendrixx and Kendrick Lamar’s GNX explore legacy, existential struggles, and the weight of transcending time, reflecting their shared focus on lasting impact and navigating external pressures.
“I do this for my legacy, past current, and all of my unborns,” while revealing his battles with external pressures “Then I realized devils all around, tryna hide their horns/ I’ll give them lashes in the blink of an eye, but won’t hide the thorns” — Skinnyy Hendrixx | Green Ranger
Both artists frame themselves as larger-than-life, yet grounded individuals with lines like “I ain’t stagnant in my growth, I’m here for eternity, never no adios,” compared to Kendrick’s line on “wacced out murals” where he says, “Old soul, bitch, I probably built them pyramids,” or lines like, “Reincarnated, I’mma star gazer, life goes on, I need all my babies.”
Skinny’s lyricism also stands out for its cleverness — especially his use of a quintuple entendre in following line. My boy is nice!
“Move with the force like the eye of the tiger / I am the eye of the storm, I move with the eye of Horus open my third eye”
More Digestible, Less In-Your-Face
Bleeding Krystals is compact. A 7-minute EP that doesn’t sacrifice on depth or skimp out on the overall message. Skinnyy’s sharp pen delivers with a tighter runtime, tackling similar existential questions as Kendrick but with precision. The meat and potatoes come from Bleeding Krystals without being too much to consume.
Kendrick’s GNX pushes the boundaries of what we are used to hearing from him, which can at times, make it feel sprawling and chaotic. Skinnyy offers focus — a quick hit of thought-provoking lyrics that don’t overwhelm.
Smoother, Sexier, Softer
GNX leans more into Dot’s aggression, chaos, and over all pissed off-ness with tracks like peekaboo. Skinnyy’s project flows smoothly while again presenting the same issues we all have a tendency of having with life and art. Come on, this is the Smooth Villain we’re talking about. This that late Friday night drive home after an intense storm — this is the calm after.
Production & Sound: West Coast Influence
Lamar boldly taps into his LA roots with BNX. His flow & generous storytelling all sound so West Coast. Listening to squabble up, hey now, tv off, peekaboo, and obviously reincarnated, puts us riding through the streets of Compton. Hendrixx, who hails from the hometown Richmond, VA also delivers an impressive West Coast flow. Reminiscent of a 2003 E-40 with his unique delivery, Skinnyy maintains his own eclectic flow over psychedelic funk, melodic synthesizers, and groovy basslines.
Fun Fact: Both BNX and Bleeding Krystals were produced by just one producer — Sounwave for Kendrick and Sycho Sid for Skinnyy — giving each album a tight, cohesive sound.
A Richmond Refresher
BKEP is a great palate cleanser after digesting GNX. Skinnyy, who refers to himself as “the hottest thing out of Richmond since D’Angelo,” delivers a refreshing sound showcasing Richmond’s emerging talent. With Bleeding Krystals, he proves to be Richmond’s hometown hero with universal appeal. Track 2, entitled Red Ranger, actually doesn’t feature Skinnyy at all, and gives room for Richmond producer & artist, Melodic to take the wheel in Richmond. He says, “I’m out for every piece of energy that was differed.” It’s high time for Richmond to get its krystals.
Skinnyy Hendrixx’s Bleeding Krystals EP is a refreshing & digestible palate cleanser through it’s thoughtful, precise, and smooth execution, while meeting Kendrick’s brilliance head on. Whether you’re riding in your GNX or the cruising down the street in your ‘64, checkout Skinnyy’s new EP, it’s proof that Richmond’s voice belongs in every conversation around Hip-Hop’s future.
Skinnyy’s contributions to the local scene have garnered increasing attention, and as highlighted in RVA Mag’s 2022 article with Radio B, his role in Richmond’s Hip- Hop scene is undeniable. Read more about Richmond’s thriving Hip-Hop scene in this RVA Mag interview.
Listen to Skinny Hendrixx’s Bleeding Krystals EP here.
Compare Kendrick’s GNX here.
