“BALENCIAGA II” is a track stacked with the energy Hip Hop has carried for a while, the emphasis on appearance, an inherent flyness, and a sense of style that carries over into the music itself. Released in December 2025, during a moment when many artists in the genre seem to be moving away from the materialism that defined much of the 2010s, the song feels almost nostalgic. It echoes those kinds of tracks that simply make you feel like the shit.

You could even say the song carries the energy of the era sonically. It’s melodic but still hardcore, driven by heavy bass, sharp hi-hats, and dark synths. That energy isn’t just supported by the subject matter, but by the flows as well. Each artist approaches their verse in a way that feels true to them, finding their pocket and doing what they do best. And with a beat that’s relatively simple, the flow layered on top drives the track much further than the production could alone. The song has personality, and that’s what hip hop lovers once fell in love with.

Joined alongside O’Kenneth are fellow Ghanaian rappers Medikal and Joey B. Collaborations like this, with artists who carry their own identity, are always more impactful. They don’t just uphold the momentum and support of one artist, but that of an entire culture that recognizes the importance of representation and the shared idea of putting on for your home. 

Some may say the topic signals a reversal of the genre, not a step forward. However, I’d argue that this arrogance, materialism, and bravado have always been characteristics of Hip Hop, just expressed in different forms. Moreover, whether people want to admit it or not, the era of Trap music led by modern artists such as Future, Thug, and Gucci is a defining moment in the genre’s history, and their impact cannot be ignored. This track proves just that. 

Moreover, I always find it interesting to catch the moments where American Hip Hop culture shows up across the sea. References to trailblazers and tastemakers like Nipsey Hussle, Lil Wayne, and others show that there is a real exchange happening, of culture, taste, and influence.

Thanks for letting me step back into an era I missed.