At just 26, New York rap music icon MIKE is gearing up to release his 10th studio album, Showbiz!, due out on January 31 via 10K Projects. Ahead of the album’s drop, MIKE has shared a new single, “Bear Trap,” offering fans a glimpse into the personal and professional challenges that come with fame.
Since his 2017 debut, MIKE has steadily crafted a reputation as one of the most respected, low-key figures in East Coast hip-hop. With a career grounded in authenticity and a deep respect for the craft, MIKE has earned co-signs from hip-hop legends like Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist. His 2023 album Burning Desire was ranked among the top 51 albums of the decade so far, and his 2024 collaboration with Tony Seltzer, Pinball, secured a spot among the year’s top albums.
“Bear Trap” stands as a confession of sorts, with MIKE reflecting on the realities of fame. While money and luxury have come his way, they’ve failed to provide the inner peace he craves. In the song, he wrestles with his emotions, facing the stress and pressure of his success despite being self-aware of his struggles.
With production by Darryl Johnson and MIKE’s own alter ego, dj blackpower, “Bear Trap” features a deep bassline, soulful vocals, and cascading piano chords, perfectly capturing the track’s somber yet poignant mood. As he prepares for the release of Showbiz!, MIKE continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop with a sound that’s both raw and reflective, inviting listeners deeper into his world.
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