g hao Blends Dark Textures and Raw Energy with a Phonk Foundation to Create "Lycoris Radiata"

Emerging from Vietnam, producer and artist g hao has been diligently establishing his presence within the underground phonk and rap scenes, crafting a distinctive sound characterized by distortion, deep bass, sharp cowbells, and a fascination with the more shadowy aspects of hip-hop. His discography already boasts projects like Devil Pack, as well as collaborations with notable artists such as PRETTY NICKY, LITTLE 4N, Scrapper, Lunaughty, LilHustled, and several others. His second album, Lycoris Radiata, released in June 2025, marks a significant evolution in his artistic journey, transforming his various influences into a sound that feels uniquely his own.

What immediately captures attention about Lycoris Radiata is its unwavering commitment to atmosphere. Rather than attempting to smooth over its rough edges or make underground phonk more palatable, g hao fully embraces the grit and intensity of his sound. The drums deliver a heavy punch, the bass is intentionally overdriven, and the production consistently maintains a palpable sense of tension throughout. Some of the beats possess a claustrophobic quality, yet this adds to the album's immersive environment, making it all the more compelling.

This remarkable consistency shines through across all 13 tracks. The album kicks off with a brief intro before launching into "BEAT DA GLOCK," featuring LilHustled, and "HELLA DANK," which quickly establishes the project’s energy. The track "UNSTOPPABLE / SPLIT APART," featuring PRETTY NICKY and LilHustled, introduces another layer of collaboration to the fold, while "PAPRIKA," with LITTLE 4N, and "YBFS," featuring Scrapper, ensure that the middle section of the album remains engaging and varied. "MAGIC DA GATHERING," which includes Lunaughty highlights one of the album's strengths: g hao skillfully carves out space in his production for diverse underground voices to resonate.

The collaborative essence of the album is crucial, as Lycoris Radiata never feels like a mere collection of guest features piled atop a producer's beats. Instead, the featured artists seamlessly integrate into the album's world, sharing a rawness in their performances that fosters a sense of community reflective of the underground scene. While g hao's production serves as the foundation, the various vocal contributions introduce different textures and personalities that enrich the overall experience.

A particularly intriguing moment comes in the form of "DEVIL BOY - Interlude." Although interludes often serve as mere connective tissue, this one possesses enough character to stand independently. Its stripped-back, instantly recognizable hip-hop vibe serves to break up the album while enhancing its overall mood. It’s no surprise that listeners have gravitated toward this track, especially in short-form video contexts where a distinctive sonic atmosphere can be just as impactful as the music itself.

As the record progresses, it becomes increasingly focused. Tracks like "FEEL DA PRESSURE" and "FEEL DA PAIN" resonate with titles that reflect the growing emotional intensity, while "BORN IN HELL" and "HOT HELL" signal the beginning of the album's closing stretch. The recurring "HELL" motif throughout these final songs lends a sense of progression without necessitating a dramatic shift in g hao's production style. Instead, he allows the sequencing to convey part of the narrative.

This leads into "THRU DIS HELL," which stands as the album's centerpiece and arguably its most standout track. The final track of the project succeeds by weaving together several elements that render the entire project effective, yet it presents them with a heightened emotional contrast. The distorted production retains the menacing undertone that permeates the record, while the sweeter guitar elements introduce an unexpected glimmer of light amidst the darkness. These melodies lend a more reflective quality to the track, and the acapella segments create moments where the production recedes, allowing the vocal presence to take center stage.

g hao has openly expressed his admiration for Freddie Dredd and the raw energy that initially shaped that segment of phonk, and rather than shying away from these influences, he uses them as a launching pad. The production choices, collaborations, sequencing, and increasingly personal elements indicate an artist who is learning to take inspiration and evolve it into something distinctly his own. This is what makes the album resonate with me. It possesses a clear vision of the type of record it aims to be. The distorted beats are not simply included because they are expected in phonk; they are integral to the album’s identity. The cowbells, bass, vocal effects, sudden shifts, and rough textures all contribute to a meticulously crafted world. For an artist hailing from Vietnam and delving into the depths of the underground, Lycoris Radiata stands as a powerful declaration of intent.