For hip-hop heads and underground music aficionados alike, CUIBONO? promises to be a groundbreaking release. This new album by Hollow Profit combines a fierce devotion to lyricism with a lineup of unique collaborations that elevate the art form. Known for a discerning approach to choosing collaborators, the artist has curated a roster of talent that brings fresh, raw energy to the project. Driven by an appreciation for legends like Kendrick Lamar, MF DOOM, and Wu-Tang Clan, CUIBONO? is an ambitious homage to the golden age of hip-hop, while carving out a style that’s distinctly their own. With the album’s lead single, “Sicilian Gold,” already capturing attention for its cinematic, classic vibe, Hollow Profit delves into their process, inspirations, and the spirit of competition and camaraderie that shaped this record. From growing up in Poplar, Wisconsin, to a decade of relentless self-improvement, this project is here to inspire, uplift, and push the boundaries of underground hip-hop.
CUIBONO? is an ambitious project with a lot of unique collaborations. How did you go about choosing the artists you wanted to work with, and how did they influence the album’s direction?
I’m always on the lookout for new music. I really enjoy this stuff (Hip-Hop – the underground). Organically, I have stumbled across all sorts of artists. I’m always checking to see who’s working with who – sometimes you get really good tips via word of mouth like “you gotta check out this guy or this tape is insane”.
In terms of selection, I’m looking for a few things: #1 do they drop good features? #2 do they stick to a consistent output? #3 do I dig their style? (Sometimes someone can be really talented but just ain’t for me) and #4 are they humble? (I have no interest in working with anyone who doesn’t have a level head in this regard).
I don’t care too much about how big someone is or how many followers they have – if I dig what you’re doing I wanna work.
As far as the album’s direction goes: it was a really organic process- I didn’t have to coach anyone all that hard. I laid clear expectations and left a lot of breathing room for their voices to flourish. I’m working with some grade A talent and this was never too complicated of a project just to drop a good verse.
The lead single, “Sicilian Gold,” has this classic, glamorous vibe to it. Can you talk more about the story behind the song and what inspired you to write it?
I wrote my portion of the song September 26th 2023 during a writing exercise. I went in with the intention of simply practicing my skills – I did not expect to write a song of high enough quality to release; and I certainly did not expect it to be my most successful song to date. I had been scouting out Ronnie’s music for about a month as I initially heard him on a track with Junii (who I had recently worked with {yet to be released}). I really respected his style on the track and was peeping more of his music to see if he would make for a good feature. After writing Sicilian Gold, I thought “why not send this to Ronnie Alpha? He’d make a good fit”. I messaged Ronnie that same day asking if he’d like to hop on (this was our first interaction to date) {We have since released 4 songs to date with a 5th being slated for release in mid December}. After accepting, Ronnie had his verse sent in on Oct. 3rd (very quick turnaround). I was able to mix and master everything (along with re-recording my vocals) within the next few days and come Oct. 8th the final version of the song was complete.
You’ve mentioned Kendrick Lamar, MF DOOM, and Wu-Tang Clan as major influences on your music. How do you feel their impact shows up in CUIBONO?, and how do you balance those influences with your own distinct voice?
This album is a display of lyricism and not just mine but everyone on this project. Everyone came to kill and it’s apparent. No doubt, this is my project – but there is a strong spirit of collaboration and even competition running through this album. I think that is something lost by a lot of today’s artists – they don’t care about the lyrics or the culture or the competition that breeds innovation. All too many artists care only about their bag. That’s why I respect K Lamar, DOOM and Wu-Tang – these are artists that have really contributed to something special- it goes beyond the money.
One comparison I’ve been hearing from listeners is between DOOM and the Crimson Dot (villainous alter ego) tracks. Hearing people compare my style to DOOM is probably the greatest compliment I could imagine receiving; it’s truly humbling. It’s no secret that Dot is inspired by the late Dumile, but there is a difference. Think Miles Morales to Peter Parker. We call both of them Spider-Man but they are different – they have different stories. Dot to me is someone picking up that mask – taking on the wordy, odd and villainous persona. I’m not DOOM but I’m following in his footsteps- taking that idea (of a hip-hop supervillain) and running with it – making it my own.
This album features a variety of samples and genre influences. What’s your approach to sampling and incorporating different musical styles into your work?
I am a lover of music – all kinds. I don’t want to hear the same sound, the same textures, the same rhythms on repeat. I enjoy variety. That’s why it’s so great working with 47 Quid (besides the 3 tracks I produced for the album, the bulk of the production was on him). He’s got a really vast catalog and is one of my favorite producers to work with.
As someone who grew up in Duluth, how has your hometown and its music scene shaped you as an artist, and how does it impact your music today?
I grew up about 40 minutes outside Duluth in a rural village (Poplar Wisconsin). Growing up, Hip-Hop was not a part of our culture – I got into it around middle school really flocking to the 90s boom bap of the east coast. I don’t think there’s too much sonically I take from this area as Bob Dylan is the only mainstream musician from the Duluth area. There’s very few rappers in this area and even fewer rappers with any real talent. Music aside, a great many men in my community (family, friends, teachers, coaches & community leaders) made me the man who I am today. They taught me discipline and instilled a character in me that I am very grateful for – I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
You’ve called CUIBONO? your “first official album” and mentioned wanting to inspire the next generation of MCs. What legacy do you hope to leave with this album and your career?
I’ve written plenty of music throughout the years – I’ve been making music for a decade – but this is my first real go at it (in a professional sense). I’ve got money behind this project – marketing even. This isn’t a handful of songs I wrote in my mama’s basement and haphazardly slapped on a CD for my friends – this is a real professionally produced project. I’m doing all of the professional work an album release requires: the PR, interviews, photos, videos, marketing, all the serious things you’d expect a professional to do – and I’m doing it (or at the very least – hiring someone else to). I’m ready to take that next step and this album marks the beginning of that journey.
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