Artist: MARTO Single: RIDIN Genre: Cloud Rap, Ambient Hip-Hop, Trap Release Date: December 24th, 2024
MARTO is making a statement. Born in Thika, Kenya, and now rooted in Seattle, he’s an artist caught between two worlds, pulling from both as he carves out his own lane. His latest track, “RIDIN”, feels like a late-night haze—blurring the lines between afro-infused rhythms and the moody, atmospheric sound of modern hip-hop.
This isn’t a track that demands attention with big hooks or overpowering production. Instead, it drifts in, hypnotic and effortless. There’s a looseness to MARTO’s delivery, like he’s floating above the beat, detached but deliberate. It’s the kind of sound that calls to mind Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, and JPEGMAFIA—a mix of auto-tuned melodies and raw, unfiltered energy.
The production leans into that spacey, trip-inducing atmosphere. It’s built on airy synths and understated drums, the kind of instrumental that feels like it was made for headphones at night—head back, eyes closed. MARTO’s flow is laid-back but sharp, riding the beat with the ease of someone who knows exactly what he’s going for.
For an artist still building his discography, “RIDIN” is a confident step forward. He’s got the pulse of modern rap down, blending influences without sounding like a copy of anything else. There’s ambition in his sound, a sense that he’s not just experimenting—he’s calculating. If this track is any indication of what’s coming in 2025, MARTO’s not just making noise—he’s building something.
