Ain't No Other Way
Oakland duo Main Attrakionz blew up seemingly out of nowhere back in 2011 pioneering “Cloud Rap”–a unique brand of hip-hop that combines airy beats with equally weightless rap styles. Lyrically, it’s not what you’d categorize as verbose but it’s overwhelmingly positive, melodic and genuine making for a completely novel listening experience.
The sub-genre has had an enormous influence on rap music since that time with acts like A$AP Rocky, who was featured on their 808s & Dark Grapes II breakout mixtape, Danny Brown and Gucci Mane all taking notice of the alluring aesthetic. In fact, the track “Leaf,” a standout from Rocky’s debut mixtape, was originally featured on 808s & Dark Grapes II under the title “Take 1.” After releasing a solid debut album in 2012 with Bossalinis & Fooliyones, the rappers behind MA, Squadda B and Mondre M.A.N., have been relatively quiet honing their craft after a somewhat unexpected and hasty rise to notoriety.
After a lengthy hiatus as Main Attrakionz, during which time they continued releasing music under their Green Ova label, the duo returned last week with the first single, and accompanying visuals, for their upcoming project, 808s & Dark Grapes III. “Ain’t No Other Way” proves that Main Attrakionz have been hard at work perfecting their supremely ethereal sound. Among rappers, you’d be hard-pressed to find any as low-key, humble and unassuming, while simultaneously enormously influential, as Main Attrakionz. See for yourself in the Kreayshawn–directed video below and keep your eye out for 808s and Dark Grapes III due out June 30th.
