NextYoungin’s 7-track project, Daddy 2 Baddie not only pushes the boundaries of self-identity and expression but also celebrates authenticity. Seamlessly blending hyper pop, R&B, Afrobeat, and hard-hitting trap beats, this album is a testament to NextYoungin’s versatility and innovation in the music scene, inviting all listeners to appreciate the richness of diverse musical influences.
At the heart of Daddy 2 Baddie lies a deep dive into NextYoungin’s dual persona, capturing the essence of Daddy Kaine. Baddie Kaine represents the artist’s feminine side—empowered, bold, and unapologetically confident—while Daddy Kaine embodies the masculine edge, characterized by strength, resilience, and a commanding presence. This duality reflects a broader theme of gender fluidity, seamlessly integrated into NextYoungin’s musical style and overall identity.
The tracks resonate with themes of staying true to oneself, disregarding external judgments, and surrounding oneself with positive energy. Through a blend of introspective lyrics and energetic production, NextYoungin conveys a powerful message of resilience and determination.
Musically, Daddy 2 Baddie is a showcase of NextYoungin’s impressive range, effortlessly transitioning between rapping and singing. The album’s eclectic production serves as a versatile canvas for the artist’s creativity, highlighting their ability to navigate through different genres while maintaining a cohesive and distinctive sound. Each track is crafted to reflect a facet of NextYoungin’s personality, embodying a blend of vulnerability and strength, elegance and grit.
Daddy 2 Baddie starts with the lush trap offering “Standing On Bidness.” As they rhyme effortlessly through a melodic auto-tune flow, NextYoungin expresses how they stay true to themselves. Throughout the song, the rapper drops bars about being in a different lane than others. Elsewhere, NextYoungin raps about having their own motion, being on go-mode, and going after what they wants at all costs. Lyrics like “I roll the ball/I keep it goin’/I roll the ball like I went bowling/My pockets fat and I got them showin’/He say I’m cute, like ‘Bae I know it,'” take the narrative home.
In the second track, “That Yeah,” NextYoungin asserts that they’ve earned several accolades because of their hard work. As the eerie bass-heavy trap beat sounds off, it encounters video game elements. Lyrically, the Atlanta-based artist asserts that people need to come correct when they are in their presence. In other words, “If you can’t get with the program, you can walk it out.” Following this, they drop several confident bars about keeping it P, having their way, and others who try jacking their style. “Gave you h*es the blueprint/How the f**k you still fail?” NextYoungin raps.
“Vibe Catcher,” on the other hand, transmits an Afro-beat production. As the title suggests, the song is about a desire to be around only good, drama-free energy. Using an ethereal, melodic delivery, NextYoungin addresses a pessimistic individual about their demeanor. The Atlanta artist then states that if they aren’t willing to grow, they don’t belong in their inner circle. NextYoungin concludes that they only want to be surrounded by the finer things in life, people included. They also state that others can call on them for a great time. Sy Ari Da Kid touches on how he will keep his partner in good spirits.
The fourth record, “Different,” masterfully blends R&B and trap influences to deliver a compelling narrative of moving on and embracing new beginnings. Ultimately, the song explores the artist’s resolve not to revisit a past relationship. The poignant lyrics reflect a strong sense of closure and a desire to forge ahead with a new partner. NextYoungin’s smooth vocal delivery contrasts with the beat’s sharp rhythms, enhancing the song’s reflective mood while maintaining its energetic edge. “Different” is a standout track for anyone navigating the complexities of moving forward in relationships.
Meanwhile, the aggressive trap cut “Pop Yo Sh*t Twin” sets the tone for NextYoungin to assert their individuality and dominance in the scene. “Pop Yo Sh*t Twin” is all about embracing one’s true self and standing out from the crowd. NextYoungin encourages listeners to own their identity, proudly showcasing their unique style while remaining unbothered by imitation or criticism. They also explore the duality of their persona, seamlessly blending their feminine allure with their assertive, masculine edge. Referencing their “Baddie Kaine” and “Daddy Kaine” sides, they reveal how they comfortably navigate between sensuality and strength.
Then there’s “OMW,” which mirrors the project’s highly energetic foreground. Featuring Kodie Shane, NextYoungin’s hyper pop meets Jersey Club single captures the essence of desiring closeness with a loved one despite not always being on the same page. NextYoungin’s lyrics reflect a sincere yearning to spend time with this person, underscoring that quality time, regardless of its length, is cherished. The artist’s vocal delivery is soothing and earnest, conveying a deep sense of urgency and affection.
Before Daddy 2 Baddie ends, NextYoungin emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and perseverance in their Rot Ken-assisted single “The Ring.” As the mellow trap beat goes off, the musician reflects on cutting ties with individuals who no longer contribute positively to their life, focusing instead on nurturing genuine relationships and staying true to those who have always supported them. The artist’s commitment to blocking out negativity and staying focused on their goals is palpable throughout the track, making it a motivational call to action for listeners to embrace their own path to success. For instance, they rap, “I stay in motion/You stay the same/You ain’t put in work I can tell/I tried to put you on, but no you ain’t listen/I’m not finna yell.”
In essence, Daddy 2 Baddie is a bold statement of NextYoungin’s artistic identity and personal journey. It’s a project that not only entertains but also inspires, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams with unyielding passion. As NextYoungin weaves through diverse soundscapes, Daddy 2 Baddie stands as a powerful testament to their evolving artistry and unwavering uniqueness.
Listen to NextYoungin’s Daddy 2 Baddie below:
Read more about NextYoungin and their project Daddy 2 Baddie below:
- How would you describe your music to new listeners?
NextYoungin – I would say that i’m a very very versatile artist. I can range from any type of genre. I’ve done rock music, I’ve done R&B, I’ve done pop. I don’t really like to stay in one circle of genres. I like to expand and dabble my toes into different things because I’m a Pisces. I really like to explore.
- What was the creative process behind creating Daddy 2 Baddie?
NextYoungin – I’m a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m bisexual, but I usually don’t like to label myself because it comes with a lot. I would make masculine music for people in the LGBTQ community that are more on the masculine side, so it’s more from that standpoint, and with [Daddy 2 Baddie] this is me transitioning into a feminine type of vibe.
You get the bad b***ch vibe, the girly, the bubbly type of vibe, whereas Daddy Kaine is more chill. Me transitioning into the more feminine side just comes with my experiences. Being masculine and being feminine gets you treated differently. So it’s really just me talking from my feminine side.
- How are you able to identify Baddie Kaine and Daddy Kaine?
NextYoungin – Most people call it being a tomboy, I grew up as a tomboy. Sometimes I want to dress masculine and be like laid back and wear comfortable clothes and then sometimes I just want to dress up and be girly. So what really made me want to start being more feminine was me just becoming older. My body’s changing, so I gotta get accustomed to who I am right now.
- What would you say is your EP’s underlying theme?
NextYoungin – Just expressing myself and not caring about what people say. That’s just what it is. Take it or leave it.
- If you had to choose a theme song off of Daddy 2 Baddie what would it be and why?
NextYoungin – “Pop Yo S**t” because that’s where I’m talking about people assuming I’m a dude. Believe it or not, for a while on Google, the search bar literally was ‘Is NextYoungin a boy or a girl?’ So a lot of people were confused whether I was a female or a male. I was born a female. And on that song I’m really popping my s**t. You thought I was this, but I’m not. I can do both. Nobody can do this. You’ve never seen anything like this because I’m different.
- Did you face any obstacles while creating Daddy 2 Baddie?
NextYoungin – I can say I had to focus more on my craft because I had to come up with a different sound. That was probably the hardest thing just because I was so used to being so mellow in my older tracks, I have to use more of my personality, use my voice more and just really explore with my range.
- Was it hard for you to adjust to the Afrobeat production on “Vibe Catcher (feat. Sy Ari Da Kid)?”
NextYoungin – No, it actually was one of the easiest songs that I got through just because I love Afrobeat music like Davido. I listen to a lot of their music. I’m obsessed with Afrobeats. That was such a fun process.
- What does standing on business mean to you?
NextYoungin – Not letting up. I’m giving it my all. No distractions. I’m not stopping.
- Favorite scene from “Pop Yo S**t” music video?
NextYoungin – I was say my favorite scene in “Pop Yo S**t” was me on the throne. I just liked sitting on the throne because I had never done a scene like that before. As a little girl, I always wanted to sit on thrones.
- What are some moments you enjoyed while creating Daddy 2 Baddie?
NextYoungin – When I first recorded “Pop Yo S**t.” That’s the very first song that I recorded on the EP and I know the emotional state that I was in. It was very strong because it felt like I needed to prove something because there were a lot of things going on as far as my social media. I was in some drama and stuff like that. I just felt like everybody was doubting me. So I really went hard when it came to that song. It paid off because it ended up going viral on TikTok. I put a lot of emotion into that song, but it was fun too cause I had all my friends there,. people that I worked with. It was good vibes, it was the perfect setup for that song.
- Do you have any other visuals on the way?
NextYoungin – Yes, I do. I have visuals for all songs.
- What are some moments you enjoye d while touring last year with Key Glock and Kodie Shane?
NextYoungin – Touring with Key Glock was my very first tour that I’ve ever been on, so it was a little, nerve wrecking, i was a little nervous ‘cause I didn’t get to perform a lot before that. My very first show was Rolling Loud. After Rolling Loud, I did the Key Glock tour so I was really nervous. I’m going to places with an artist that has a crowd that isn’t familiar with me. So I really had to figure out a way to connect to the crowd so I threw out merch and interacted with them. But overall, it was really fun everybody was so nice to me. They came up to me after so I knew that they enjoyed the show that I put on.
With Kodie Shane’s tour, I had a lot of fun. She’s so sweet. Her team was so sweet to me, and made sure that everything was great. I will say my favorite show with Kodie Shane was in Atlanta because that’s where I’m from so I got to bring out some of my friends and family members. They came to support me.
- If somebody is just visiting Atlanta for the first time, what’s a place you recommend to grab food at?
NextYoungin – I’m obsessed with Korean BBQ and stuff like that, so I would recommend hitting any of the Pho or Korean BBQ spots nearby.
- How do you get ready to perform before hitting the stage?
NextYoungin – I’ll just get in my own zone, go through my stopping and talking points and say the songs in my head. I try to make sure that I’m relaxed. I need to bring as much energy as I can because once I have their attention, it’s just, it’s a breeze, it’s all about getting their attention as soon as you go out there.
- Do you have any other shows or any new music on the way?
NextYoungin – I’m about to go to New York for some interviews and different places that I’m hopping out to and then a few other cities. I do have songs already in the vault that I want to drop next. For now I’m just trying to give my EP a little breather, see what everybody’s like and how they are feeling, and then I’m ready to drop the next thing.
- Two dream collaborators?
NextYoungin – Flo Milli and Justin Bieber. I love them so much!
- Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
NextYoungin – Don’t stop. You have to grind relentlessly. You have to be extremely consistent. Don’t worry about the views, likes or comments. Just keep posting. It doesn’t matter. If you don’t get any likes, wait a wait a couple of weeks, delete it post it again. Something’s gonna go viral, something’s gonna hit. I will also say go outside, network with people, get your face out there, go talk to people, make little postcards, little stickers. Stick them everywhere. Really annoy everybody. That’s the best thing you can do. If you don’t have the money to really do it, just research online. They have little cheap things where you can buy little stickers, you can buy cars and drop them off at restaurants.