On December 17, 2018, founder of the LA-based collective After Hours, rapper Lio (a.k.a. AYDIOSLIO), released his debut solo track “Wassup.” The trio, which includes rapper Yoso and producer Pablo Tonez, has released two EPs. As his first solo single, Lio goes for the gut. Produced by KwakZ and video directed by Lucas Takano, the song boasts an aggressive beat and even grittier delivery.
The Music
When friend and fellow rapper LATE LEE introduced me to the young MC, I was skeptical. The flow is unfortunately generic, derivative in a way that could really turn a listener off. (Unless, of course, this type of semi-faux trap, mostly dated autotuned flow appeals). However, if one stays long enough, actually hacks through the execution, there are a few things to take away from Lio’s lyricism. He has moments of great sincerity. It’s always noble to hear an artist so dedicated to the grind. An MC who’s determined to keep his mind focused on his goals.
While I can’t say I’m a fan of his delivery, there really is great potential here. Lio knows how to write with earnestness, fearlessly expressing that while he’s attempting to keep himself clear of unnecessary drama (“I cut ties with women I consider a distraction”), he’s not 100 percent comfortable in his own skin. He still openly questions his own mortality when surrounded by the craziness of the world. (“No I don’t think I’m alright. Hopefully don’t die tonight, but if I do immortalize.”)
Images of War
For its part, the visual accompaniment is pitch-perfect. There’s a certain amount of chaos (images of young men sacrificing themselves for an old man’s war, super-imposed film reel against our protagonist as he stares dead-on into the camera). It’s a powerful visual statement. The imagery does so much to push Lio’s personal narrative as well as a universal message: young men who are constantly at war with themselves and the world around them.
The film reel in and of itself seems to be footage of actual training and combat during the Korean War. There are flashes of war meetings among foreign “powers” who oftentimes instigate a war only to leave the people and their country ravaged. This very obviously plays into the same metaphorical war Lio has within himself. Having to fend off outside forces who would try to deter him from his greatness. Battling with his insecurities and inevitably his own existence.
The need to fight and protect runs deep in his bloodline (as it does in any person whose heritage is tightly associated with struggle and oppression). He chooses to express this ongoing battle in the form of simplistic imagery (just him and the film footage). It does the job of elevating the song from a young man simply bolstering his ego into a story of someone whose battles have left him on guard and hellbent on defending himself and his honor.
The fact that the “real” world is one in which Lio is by himself surrounded by sparse bits of nature is not a coincidence. Historically young men are carted in droves to probably die for other people. But here Lio is forced to fight his own battles in complete isolation. It’s a war of the mind and will, where his only weapons are his drive and a katana. (Meanwhile, hordes of armies have tanks and cannons.)
Conclusion
I can’t say much regarding the overall musical execution. What I will say is that when Lio does finally find his own voice and the confidence to write more earnestly without affectation, he will prove himself a competent artist. There’s much room for growth. If what he offers in “Wassup” holds true, his drive and focus will allow him to maximize on his wealth of potential.
“Wassup” is available on streaming platforms worldwide. Click here for the links!
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