Rapper, singer, bourgeoning rockstar, and everything in between, Lil HBK —which stands for HeartBreakKid—is the FUTURE.

HBK’s artistic and musical growth from seventeen to twenty years old is immense and impressive for someone his age. He reminded me of a slight workaholic, but more leaning towards someone who is intent on perfecting his craft and not afraid to try different things to do so. He is a multidimensional and talented new-generation artist — meaning he doesn’t only sing, and doesn’t only rap. He has mastered melodies, and in the same vein as his influences and favorite artists, he will sing, rap, ad-lib, switch voices, hum, rage and mosh his way to the forefront of the new school. HBK is an easy choice for something like XXL Magazine’s Freshman List. And for anyone quick to write-off the newer style of melding melodies and sing-rapping, don’t group HBK with “all of the “Lil”s”. HBK will bar you to death on one song and sing an honest and raw ode to an ex-flame on the next — this sort of versatility is invaluable.