Hari Upfront is an emerging independent hip-hop artist who made his professional solo recording debut in 2018 with the album Transition. That fifteen-song collection introduced a talented and versatile young emcee and singer from Texas. His sound is a unique mix of new-school beats and old-school technique.
Since his debut, the prolific rapper has released 3 albums, 1 EP and nearly two dozen singles. He has connected with fans around the world with hits like “Human Boulder ” and “Enjoy the Ride”. The genre-bending creator cites groundbreaking rappers like Nas, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Juice WRLD, and The Weeknd as inspiration.
Product of a Shy Extrovert is the latest album from Hari Upfront, available worldwide via all major streaming services. Throughout the course of the 14-song set, Hari takes us on a multi-genre ride through his own personal struggles and global observations. The record was inspired by the many lockdowns and quarantines of the COVID pandemic.
“Confinement” opens the record and sets the scene with some introspective ambient soul. The rapper follows with a stir-crazy freestyle over a downtempo groove on “Locked-up”. Although his music is built on a hip-hop foundation, a number of songs feature catchy pop hooks like the memorable choruses of tracks like “The Last Days’ ‘ and the synthwave-infused “We’ll be Ok”.
Hari shakes up the genres throughout the album, as on the indie-pop nugget “Maroon Sheets” and on the 70s soul vibes of tracks like “Diamonds in the Dirt”. He even digs into a bit of alt-rock on “Da Hallz.” However, it’s all about the rap as he drops impressive rapid-fire chopping and a verbose lyrical flow over trap beats on tracks like “Chosen For”, “Fool’s Gold” and “For The Moments”.
Lyrically, the album tackles problems both personal and societal as Hari Upfront tries to make sense of this troubled new decade. He delivers insightful social commentary on tracks like “The Only Provider” and examines the impact of lockdown on his life and the lives of his family and friends throughout.
Check out Product of a Shy Extrovert in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the song “The Last Days” on the Deep Indie Beat playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Hari Upfront. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this exciting young artist.
