Fly Anakin Distorts & Disports In The Visual & Sonic World Of “YOUGOTME!!!”
Tracking the output of Fly Anakin every year is almost a full-time job. Features, collaborations, solo releases, and uncredited appearances seem to fill up the ledger every month. It’s a daunting task, yet endlessly rewarding, thanks to his relentless musical talent. 2024 has been no different, even though it started a little slow… or as slow as it gets by Fly Anakin’s standards.
In February, he featured on Ol’ Burger Beats‘ album, followed by appearances with Turich Benjy and Siri Imani in March. June saw him on three different tracks: “Pendleton” by Milc and Andy Savoie, “NO.2” by LOOK DAMIEN!, and “FAMiLY FIRST” by BOŸBAND (Peso Gordon & VonBeezy). The standout release during this period was May’s TALK SOON, an EP from Mutant Academy that set the stage for a packed second half of the year for both the collective and Fly Anakin.
September brought the official debut full-length from Mutant Academy, Keep Holly Alive, alongside a feature on on ANKHLEJOHN’s new record. In October, he dropped Anakin & Friends: Episode 2, where he ushered in “Anakin weather.” On November 15th, he appeared on Sak Dulu’s new album, and just two days earlier, Fly Anakin added to his own catalog with “YOUGOTME!!,” a swirling hip-hop track that comes with a dizzying new video to heighten the song’s intense impact. There are likely a few others we’ve missed, but for now, let’s zero in on this clever track, which acts as the perfect cherry on top of an already prolific year for the rapper.
Opening with an impatient drum beat and a furrowing piano line, Anakin wastes little time taking control of the tense soundscape envisioned by producer Quelle Chris. His cadence is direct and fluid, helping to ground the rippling music that swells stronger under his direction. The interplay between his voice and the brooding instrumental creates a captivating strain, building as the track progresses. With each bar, Anakin intensifies the atmosphere, effortlessly riding the waves of sound while maintaining an unwavering command over the mood.
Directed by Anya Asano, the video showcases a distorted version of the rapper overseeing a self-actualized coastal utopia, where money and sex are as copious as the water and sunshine. His avatar maintains a stoic expression, allowing the shifting scenes and pixelated disruptions to take center stage. The video lends the track a distinct vaporwave vibe—an abstract, surreal nod to nostalgia that complements the song’s unconventional boom bap style. It’s not a diversion or a teaser for what’s to come, but rather a way to keep his dedicated fanbase on edge, as he continues his prolific output, ensuring everyone stays intrigued and engaged.
Thankfully, those who follow Fly Anakin closely are well-accustomed to this sense of unpredictability and embrace the twists and turns of his discography. With more surprises likely on the way in the final weeks of 2024, “YOUGOTME!!!” perfectly captures the essence of an ambitious year for the underground icon.
Watch the video for “YOUGOTME!!!” below and make sure you’re following Fly Anakin on social media. It’s not the only way to keep up-to-date, but it’s the best place to start.
