Taken from this week’s Future Pop mailer. Click here to subscribe.
Hobo Johnson is the pseudonym of Californian 22-year-old Frank Lopes, who calls himself a rapper, but is more of an indie spoken word artist. He recently reached the Spotify viral chart with songs Romeo + Juliet and Peach Scone, after releasing a NPR Tiny Desk Concert filmed in his chaotic back yard, which now has over 5 million views. He doesn’t have the crossover potential of comedy rappers like Lil Dicky and Big Shaq, but he’s already building a cult following for his charming, witty and weird music. I love the dry humour in his lyrics, which are equal parts edgy and sweet, and how he seems to be perpetually amused by his own jokes and his life in general. Wouldn’t it be great to be so easily entertained? I also enjoyed this early single from 2016 where he pitched, quite sincerely, for a record deal. It didn’t get him one at the time, but if he’s still interested, I’m sure there’ll be offers on the table.