Song of the day | “Only God Knows” by MikeyyAustin

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 25 – Local hip-hop artist and bandleader, MikeyyAustin, released his new EP titled “Midnight Stereo” today and will be available on major streaming services. 

The single off the record, “Only God Knows,” feels like a sacramental kickback, where the palate for approval is cleansed and we find Mikeyy lounging with his air-tight circle of friends in mutual comfort.

Fresh out the gate, the track proclaims a “new wave” is fast approaching with the intention of pushing the wisdom of yesterday ashore, revealing a revamped sense of self. The humble free spirit locals have come to love is still present in the new record, but perhaps with looser lips and even less apprehension toward fitting a mold.

The track kicks off with lightning-fast rhythms and boisterous verses, rich with euphemisms for success paired with snapshots from the past that propel the hero-like narrative. Making statements such as “getting buzzed like I was military down, turning into the n*gga I’ve been dreaming about” the hip-hop artist’s self-determined views of success shine through, unfiltered by the opinions of outsiders.

With two feet on the ground, Mikeyy’s rapid quips build with the percussive kicks and rattles until they reach a peak and the tempo drops immediately back to its soulful roots —mimicking a check of ego and purpose. Featuring crooners Phourthelove and Melissa Carter, the otherwise upbeat track takes moments to pause and revel in the glory of self-actualization.

The project, produced by Lansing’s Ess Be, was one year in the making and made possible through community donations to a Kickstarter campaign launched last October. Other gems from the album include the contemplative “Old Soul” and “Ride” featuring James Gardin, with uplifting hype beats suitable for any pre-Homecoming game party playlist.