The local hip-hop sphere has always held a unique allure, rooted in familiar, homegrown sounds punctuated by genre experimentation, and CASH of Hearts is a rapper that captures these contrasting dynamics, exploring both established and fresh territories on his debut album BAD Intensions.
At its core, BAD delves into ambition and perseverance. “Been through a lot but I ain’t breaking man / I thank God for the blessings, my mama and papa the greatest / Your son is on top, he just made it / The crown is mine for the taking,” sings the young beat maker. Reflecting on his personal journey in music thus far, there’s a resilience that runs through the length of this record, making for a deeply relatable and honest listen.
CASH’s use of samples is another standout quality. Very rarely are cinematic and cultural sound bites used well, but CASH and his team get it right. On opener “GOD’S FAVOURITE” Al Pacino’s iconic “Say goodnight to the bad guy” line from Scarface sets a powerful, almost brooding tone, as CASH boldly announces his arrival.
Similarly, “ARABIAN NIGHTS” infuses a memorable WWE sound bite, which the rapper cleverly weaves into his artistic persona. “I feel like I’m Roman, the title is mine” he declares, like a champion, his sights set on glory.
With clear influences from trap, reggae, drill and even gospel (hinting at the likes of Kanye West and co.) CASH knows how to showcase his versatility, with stripped down production and bass-heavy beats that highlight his lyrical agility.
The amapiano, kwaito-infused track “A MIL” stays true to the project’s underdog narrative, telling the story of an artist moving from humble beginnings to ambitious heights. This is contrasted with “REPEAT (INTERLUDE)” which shifts to a smoother, R&B sound, bringing touches of romance (and offering a nostalgic nod to PartyNextDoor).
There’s still growth that needs to be happen before CASH can finally claim that top spot he’s chasing. For now, he’s on his way, but with commitment and polished production, CASH of Hearts has crafted something memorable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
