New album, #RICHAXXHAITIAN, the enigmatic Haitian-born rapper Mach-Hommy offers a rare and intimate conversation, peeling back the layers of his mysterious persona.
“Play stupid games and win stupid prizes!” Mach-Hommy warns on “Mozambique Drill.” Floating like an apparition, he weaves his lyrics through chopped-up violins that producer Nicholas Craven cleverly uses in place of drums. The multilingual artist—fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole—deftly cushions his flow under soothing coos, evoking the hazy nostalgia of a grandmother humming while washing dishes on a Sunday afternoon.
On another standout track, “Self Luh,” Mach-Hommy delivers a potent critique of societal contradictions. “People stay dripped in designer… but they treat themselves terrible,” he raps over Conductor Williams’ fuzzy beat. Here, he explores the political manipulations that make junk food ubiquitous, leading to a zombie-like conditioning among the working class that’s tough to escape. “Head to toe rockin’ Fendi / but when it comes time to eat, they go and buy Wendy’s / Puttin’ trash in ya body, that’s non-friendly / eat gas station hot dogs in the back of Bentley’s, yuck.”
Fans cling to Mach-Hommy’s observational bars as life mantras. His lyrics offer the only real glimpse into the person behind the music, as the Haitian-born, New Jersey-raised artist rarely grants interviews and often obscures his face with silk scarves. This mystique is reminiscent of the late MF DOOM, adding a layer of intrigue to his already complex character.
Despite his reclusiveness, Mach-Hommy’s impact on the rap scene is undeniable. His ability to blend poignant social commentary with intricate wordplay and a unique, multilingual delivery sets him apart as a true renaissance man in the genre. His new album, #RICHAXXHAITIAN, is not just a collection of songs but a deep dive into the mind of an artist who, despite his secrecy, speaks volumes through his music.
As the world continues to uncover the layers of Mach-Hommy, his legacy grows, proving that sometimes, the most enigmatic figures leave the most lasting impressions. In a landscape filled with transient trends and fleeting fame, Mach-Hommy stands as a testament to the power of authenticity and the enduring allure of mystery.