It took HyDro tha Xlushie K.i.D. some time to realize music was more than a hobby. By the time that realization hit, he had already built the foundation of a small career.
After high school and into college, HyDro was making music with his friends and was one of the first in his circle to consistently record and release music publicly. But in 2018, he made the decision to officially step into the role of a serious solo artist, releasing his first official single, “Genjutsu.” Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
As a writer, HyDro’s creative process naturally starts with lyrics. Sometimes a hook comes first and the verse might not arrive for weeks. Other times, the verse comes together quickly while the hook becomes the challenge. Then there’s the added task of finding the right beat to bring everything together.
It’s a complicated process—but one that ultimately works for him.
His style was heavily sharpened by Odd Future. As a teenager, HyDro connected with Tyler, The Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Hodgy and Domo because of their lyrical ability and willingness to explore abstract subjects during a period when dance music and trap dominated much of the landscape.
That influence encouraged HyDro to push his own pen toward individuality, self-expression and acceptance.
Listeners can get a glimpse of that style through records like “Know A Few” and “Flowers,” with the latter carrying a particularly intense real-life story.
One of HyDro’s biggest regrets isn’t necessarily an obstacle he couldn’t overcome. It’s an opportunity he didn’t fully capitalize on.
He remembers having an entire college campus behind him and realizing only later how much support was actually surrounding him. Looking back, he understands that momentum is something artists have to recognize and capitalize on while it’s happening.
“Flowers” also tells a story that is far more real than some listeners might expect. HyDro recalls an incident where U.S. Marshals surrounded him and his best friend while they were sitting in a car, with multiple guns pointed in their direction. The experience became part of the story he eventually put into the music.
That willingness to turn real experiences into art is a major part of HyDro’s identity.
He believes hip-hop is more open-minded than ever, with countless subgenres and communities allowing artists to find their own audiences. Whether listeners care about lyricism, production, drums, vibes or a particular style, there’s room for all of it.
HyDro intends to take advantage of that freedom.
He describes himself as relatively quiet in person, but there’s a much bigger personality underneath. Music and performing give him the opportunity to let that energy loose and share what he describes as his burning passion with the world.
And his long-term goal goes beyond simply being known as a rapper.
HyDro wants people to look back and say his music inspired them to stand on business, stop dimming their light and express themselves fully. He wants to encourage people to recognize their own greatness rather than constantly making themselves smaller for others.
In his words, he wants people to eventually say, “damn HyDro was dope as hell”—and feel confident enough to admit they’re just as dope themselves.
That message is especially fitting considering what’s next.
HyDro has new music in the vault, upcoming collaborations, new singles, a new tape in the works, an exclusive 1/20 merch drop and plenty of content on the way. A music video for “Humble” is also coming soon.
So what’s the mood for this next chapter?
HyDro has already given us the warning.
It’s Tornado Season.
