West Coast rapper Markas is turning scars into soundtracks with his latest release, Not Enough Years—a 12-track album that feels less like a collection of songs and more like a lived experience. The project captures his evolution as both an artist and a man, weaving personal trauma, resilience, and self-awareness into a body of work that refuses to be ignored.
A Narrative Built From Survival
At its core, Not Enough Years is storytelling at its rawest. Tracks like the title cut and “Dependents” pull back the curtain on survival without leaning on pity, allowing Markas’ honesty to take center stage. On “Glitch,” he spits, “At 16 I was locked in that cage, huh / And I ain’t been back since, I been harder to catch since,” laying bare the turning points that forged his perspective. Markas doesn’t glorify hardship; he translates it. The result is an album that resonates because it’s lived-in, not manufactured. His voice carries the weight of experience but also the spark of someone determined to build beyond it.
A Versatile Soundscape
Musically, the album stretches wide. With production from Gerald “The Sound” Keys, Ulisses, Marc-Easy, and Brixxisking, the soundscape moves fluidly between moody introspection and bold, movement-driven beats. “Scream” injects a high-energy bounce into the project, offering a moment of release without losing the reflective undertones that anchor the record. This sonic range mirrors Markas’s own growth: refined, polished, yet still unflinchingly authentic.
Highlights That Hit Hard
Two records, in particular, showcase Markas’s duality. “Blitzkrieg” places his storytelling over a cinematic backdrop, amplifying the urgency of his words, while “M Series” cruises with an effortless cool, proving he can flex lyrically without sacrificing substance. It’s this balance—confidence without empty bravado, vulnerability without weakness—that gives Not Enough Years its staying power.
For Markas, Not Enough Years closes the chapter on his “years” series. Rather than chasing trends, he’s building a foundation for longevity. One rooted in truth, craft, and vision.
“I stepped back and saw how little time we really have. That made me appreciate these moments even more” he shares.
More Than Music
With Not Enough Years, Markas delivers a statement. It’s a sharp, cohesive release that cements his place as one of the most compelling voices to emerge from the West Coast. Markas isn’t just telling his story. He’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to survive, to grow, and to thrive through music. Don’t believe it? Take a listen for yourself! Press play on Not Enough Years to step into the sounds and styles of Markas. Lastly, let us know your thoughts here at 24Hip-Hop!
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