Charlotte native Lute is making his presence felt with his reflective West 1996 Pt. 2 debut project. The Dreamville signee’s music is true to the label’s ethos of inspiring everyman narratives that call to everyone’s internal desire to succeed. Set to tour the country with labelmates J.I.D. and Earthgang, it’s safe to say he’s doing pretty good — but his latest video, “Still Slummin’,” harkens back to times before he was doing his thing.
Over a mesmerizing, J.Dilla-produced boombap beat he somehow got a hold of, Lute reflects not just on his own thoughts about achieving, but those of his peers’. He takes us back to the chicken spot he used to work at, where his friend asks him why he’s there when he’s so talented and close to being signed. Big Pooh pulls up on him during the second verse and gives him similar advice. All the while he’s still “slummin’ while chasing life,” reflecting all-too-relatable sentiments.
The video does a great job of bolstering Lute’s narrative and radiating an endearing, ATL-meets-8-Mile vibe. You want Lute to succeed after watching the video. After a listen to West 1996 Pt. 2, it’s safe to say he’s on his way. You can watch his Still Slummin’ Documentary to see his journey.
