Hyro The Hero is a modern-day rock star. A product of hip-hop, punk, and heavy-rock fusion, the Houston-bred artist leans into his influences boldly, creating a sound that is all his. It is at its most progressive on his new mixtape Kids Against the Monsters, a nuanced piece of reflective storytelling that paints the picture of frustration, fear, and anger at the current state of the world. With perceptive lyrics and aggressive instrumentals, the project channels the truth-telling of old school rap and the emotional rawness of 90s grunge. Hyro has received critical praise from the likes of BBC, Afropunk, and Alt Press, solidifying him as the type of artist that grabs listeners across cultures and brings them together for a movement. With this new project, that movement calls for all the “Kids” to face their monsters in the same spirit that all of Hyro’s music encapsulates – a celebration of the human experience, however flawed and ugly it may be.

Decatur Duss is following