“What’s Next?” by TCOOPMIA is a question and a statement, a bold declaration of what’s to come while reflecting on what’s been. It’s an 18-minute dive into the future of soul and hip-hop, where optimism dances with the shadows of uncertainty. The project isn’t just a collection of songs but a full experience, bringing together soulful melodies, trap grooves, and sharp lyrical craftsmanship. With only six tracks, it feels like a concise yet complete musical journey, one that effortlessly fuses versatility and modern soul with the roots of hip-hop.
Concept & Sound: The EP opens with “So Fist Toe Kated,” Produced by: Katyze and TCOOPMIA for DMP INC. This is a track that playfully introduces listeners to TCOOPMIA’s world, setting a tone that’s both refined and raw. “Goddess,” produced by JayBBP and Aynt, draws you into a seductive realm, a trap-infused R&B groove that pulses with sensuality and layers of vibrato. There’s a tactile imagery in the production, where each beat and lyric feels like it’s been crafted to lure you deeper into its hypnotic vibe. “WKAT” acts as a breather, injecting a touch of humor into the mix, giving the listener a moment to reset before being hit with “Okie Doke!”—a Boom Bap classic that pays homage to the essence of hip-hop.
Here, TCOOPMIA, Aynt, and Kyriq deliver top-tier bars in a lyrical cypher, proving their prowess as wordsmiths while paying tribute to the culture that raised them. The album’s tone takes a turn towards introspection with “Therapy” and “Steady Fallin’,” both produced by TCOOPMIA. These tracks explore deeper, more personal themes, capturing the struggle of self-reflection and growth. The journey ends with a gentle, almost cinematic landing, thanks to the expert mixing by The Duke. It leaves the listener suspended, pondering the question the album started with: What’s next?
Feel & Inspiration: “What’s Next?” is a fresh wave in contemporary music, blending the energy of modern trap and R&B with the lyrical depth of classic hip-hop. The project is unapologetically diverse, weaving humor, introspection, and storytelling into a tight sonic package. It’s about looking forward with confidence, drawing from the strength of the past, and embracing the unknown with a sense of curiosity and courage.
Through this brief yet powerful exploration, TCOOPMIA and his collaborators showcase what it means to be a true artist in today’s ever-shifting musical landscape—fearless, authentic, and unafraid to blend genres and styles to create something wholly original. You gotta check out TCOOPMIA on Spotify!
