Ho99o9 make a confident debut on their first LP, despite a few faltering steps along the way.

United States of Horror is the first LP from the Newark-hailing punk-rap duo, Ho99o9, (pronounced, ‘Horror’). Formed in 2012, the group relocated to Los Angeles in 2014, where they began to create a strong following for themselves. Ho99o9 has remained completely off my radar until this release. “Thank God for the internet,” I say, because who knows if groups such as these would find a mass audience without it?

The duo’s first LP was a bit of a mixed bag for me at first. The short song-times that harken to their heavy punk influence make for an interesting listen. No two songs sound alike – ranging from horror-core to heavy nu-metal vibes. The lyrical content generally centralizes itself around distrust in politics, existentialist ideas of modern society, and gearing to fuck shit up. Their inspirations are on full display during the hook of “Knuckle Up”, which highlights the phrase, “Let the bodies hit the floor.” However, the noise elements that permeated the former-half of the album initially left a bad taste in my mouth. My impressions were that it is a rare debut that just gets better as it goes on. I was pretty stunned. It was on the song “Moneymachine” that the album and its ideas began to sink its hooks into me.

United States of Horror is a fantastic punk-rap debut.

The Death Grips influence is evident from the get-go. The difference between the two, however, is a clear disparity in lyrical depth. Although, what Ho99o9 lacks in maturity, they make up for in bangers. Case-in-point, ‘Sub-Zer0’ is a clear weak point for me, but the instrumentals behind the juvenile lyricism seriously refuse to accept my dissent of it all. Quickly after, a Kendrick Lamar influence extends in concept and flow in “Feels Like…(Interlude)”. It shows a brief level of undistracted lyricism that I’d like them to reach more often. Every song on the album is a constant reminder of how diverse and flexible this group can be, and why there are a group to keep a close eye on. Except for, “Hydrolics” – it is a lame attempt at trend chasing, and I hope that Ho99o9 chooses to never revisit that sound.

Negativity aside, the title track of the album will undoubtedly end up as one of my favorite songs of the year. It’s an anthem that will hopefully take center-stage in their live show for years to come. The greatest comparison I can make for it, is again with Kendrick and his song, “HiiiPower”. It’s a chill inducing call-to-arms that pulls together all the apparent themes that Ho99o9 is fascinated with.

“Minds don’t live free; casualty with the massive key, I came through the door with savagery.” I can only imagine the thoughts that enter African American artist’s minds as they smash through the doors put there by the powers that be. This album serves as a confident and assured insight into that manifestation; whether it be frustration, anger, or nihilism. Despite a few rocky moments, United States of Horror is a great debut album. It cements Ho99o9 as a group to keep a close eye on.

7/10