Snotty Nose Rez Kids have spent years under the radar as one of the most gifted hip-hop groups in Canada. The independent indigenous duo, comprised of Darren “Young D” Metz and Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce, started their musical journey in 2016, when they first recorded together for an audio engineering project at the Harborside Institute of Technology. Since then, they’ve produced four albums together, culminating with their most recent project Life After, released in October 2021.
What’s most interesting about this group is that they always find a way to send a catchy yet resounding message about their heritage. Unlike most trap rappers who mumble incoherently about drugs, guns and making money, SNRK uses their platform to raise awareness about the plight of indigenous people facing discrimination and being forced to adapt to modern society.
From the very first track on Life After, SNRK uplifts the indigenous community. “Grave Digger” promotes the celebration of indigenous religious beliefs while rejecting assimilation into Christianity, rapping “Creator look out for the kid/ Cause Jesus ain’t die for my sins.”
In addition to religious persecution, the duo also touches on how police brutality and lack of socioeconomic mobility has affected them and their communities, saying “there’s a killer on the loose tryna scalp me/We ain’t safe in the streets from the people or police or the system put in place for the wealthy.” Their powerful metaphors not only relate to the indigenous experience, but to all marginalized communities and their collective experiences of systemic oppression.
Though some of their lyrics are broadly relatable to all social justice issues, the duo strikes a fine balance of attracting a wider audience while staying true to their unique identity. Their verses are steeped in Native social justice rhetoric, alluding to the cyclical nature of their religious beliefs. “Old spirits don’t never die, /Where we from we don’t say goodbye/Oh baby, don’t wipe your eyes/By morning baby, the sun will rise.” The allegory promotes solidarity among the indigenous people by proudly proclaiming their belief that one day, there will once again be space for indigenous people to thrive. The entire album alludes to their indigenous heritage, and both highlights the problems indigenous people face while spreading a message of hope for the future.
However, social awareness is just half of the equation that makes SNRK an underground force. On Life After, the duo’s musical proficiency is undeniable. They spread their message using a sound that is both distinct and easy to listen to.
Many of their songs use dark, menacing minor chords with banging 808’s and snares. On “No Jesus Piece”, an ominous piano riff blends perfectly with an OG, high-pitched west coast synth reminiscent of Dr. Dre’s early work.
This foreboding, aggressive sound is apparent throughout the album. However, Life After is far from a musical monolith. The other half of their songs have a completely different tone. The laid back, jangling guitar riffs and rolling baselines on “Something Else,” “Change” and “After Dark” provide a smoother, more polished sound perfect for cruising around Southern California in a drop top.
In addition to SNRK’s production, their vocals are exceptionally versatile. Like Migos, Young D and Yung Trybez transition back and forth seamlessly thanks to the similarity of their voices. Varying levels of autotune make up most of the hooks, while sporadic intonations and unique flows make their verses compelling. If you put the flows of Schoolboy Q into a melting pot with a sprinkle of $uicideboy$ and a dash of Travis Scott’s autotune, SNRK is the delicious artistic soup that results.
Their sonic versatility makes Life After an exciting yet meaningful listen. Every track contains unique perspectives on a plethora of challenges indigenous people face daily. SNRK’s music not only fosters solidarity in the indigenous community but does so in a way that raises awareness for a broader audience. Their positive influence is universal.
Despite flying under the radar for some people, this album made an unshakable impact on the Canadian hip-hop scene and Canadian indigenous communities. Snotty Nose Rez Kids have come a long way since their days on the reservation, and should be lauded for both their musical talent and commitment to social justice.
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