As the first installment in WNDRKND's 2-part EP project, Hope & Fear, Hope attempts to explore one end of an emotional spectrum that is experienced by almost all today. While the project’s topic is broad, the content is anything but general. Focusing on the concept of Hope versus Fear with respect to WNDRKND, the project is just as much personal statement as it is a broad commentary about the state of things.

Like many early works, WNDRKND takes the time to reveal who he is, and he does so not only by placing the listener inside of his head, but also by committing his audience to a greater thought process. "While I touch on the more material avenues explored within hip hop music, I believe that Hope stands on its own by not just showcasing the images of hope, but also the thoughts that surround it," says WNDRKND. "I want listeners to be able to resonate with the rush of competition, I want listeners to understand the palpable and realistic need for money, and I want listeners to examine the difference between a hope and a guarantee."

For this reason, hope strives for an enjoyable, but pragmatic approach to its own concept. While hope shows a willingness to discuss the intricacies of optimism, it is very careful in the fashion that it chooses to be optimistic. Hope caters to the ambitions of a conventional hip-hop consumer base, without being blindly assured. Sure, it takes topically conventional cues from other artists in the form of luxury brands, cars, and other name drops, but WNDRKND still speaks on the rarely spoken on: Unquenchable thirsts, eating to live, ruthless ambition and praying for days that may never come.

Serving as not just rapper, but also producer, and engineer, Hope is the result of countless hours of work, and devotion to craft. Keeping almost all creative vessels in-house, Hope is not just an EP, but part of a creative stepping-out for the North Carolina emcee. “Having a chance to rap and produce is a privilege,” says WNDRKND. “The best way I can describe it as a writer, is like playing in a football game, and knowing that you can change any element of the field at a moment’s notice. While many beats are listed as created by me, through much of the process, Malone and I collaborated back and forth on how each song would sound. Some beats I had a large hand in, and others, she did.”

Hope is the first half of WNDRKND’s EP Project, Hope & Fear. Look out of part 2, Fear, coming soon.
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Credits
Written By: WNDRKND
Performed by: WNDRKND
Executive Producer: WNDRKND
Engineered by: WNDRKND
Co-Producer: Malone
Album Art By: WNDRKND
Album Photography: Kathryn Westall

Thanks To:
Cal, Kathryn & Sal. 



Hope & Fear - Hope

Luxury Boats (prod WNDRKND)

The Day That May Never Come (Mono)

GXLD CHVIN (prod WNDRKND X Malone)

Get That Cash (prod WNDRKND)

Fed (Mono)

Tropiqs (prod Malone)

Foul Shit (prod Malone)

Hope + Fear (prod WNDRKND)

Ascension (prod WNDRKND)

WNDRKND (27) is a rapper hailing from Carrboro, NC. Originally born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, WNDRKND grew up listening to the modern-day gods. His continuous selections of Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem & B.I.G. showed an interest in intricate lyricism, but effectively paired with a pronouncedly dark & dramatic aesthetic which, at the time, was only visible through tales of the street. 
While his music isn’t ostensibly “street,” WNDRKND’s flavor of hip hop is markedly unique, described by some as post-apocalyptic, or industrial, rap. Taking departures from standard producing convention, each of his PGMW-laced tracks are cinematic, epic, spacious, dark, and progressive. 

If asked about his philosophy towards making hip hop, WNDRKND would say that it is an almost-religious experience, with creativity as the one true god. But above all else, regardless of ideology, WNDRKND believes that the ability to make music is a profound gift. 

Ultimately, however, WNDRKND just wants to spread the word, and get it out to the masses. While much of it focuses on life from his vantage point, there is something everyone can get out of his music. Whether it provokes thought, inspires dreams or galvanizes change, who knows? To him, all things are good.


Hope & Fear - Hope

I AM WNDRKND