#PeepTheVisual: YL - "Heatwave" [VIDEO] - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

Photo by @DerekBalarezo_

Every year, like clock work, Hip-Hop publication XXL puts out a “next to blow” cover of sorts called, “The Freshman List” where they look to predict the who’s who of the next crop of talent. While the list started off as a staple, anointing future stars like Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Mac Miller and more; recently it’s made more news for who’s been left off, rather than who’s on the cover. This year a host of rappers were snubbed, namely J.I.D., Smino and Shaqisdope, in my opinion. But one artist I’m almost certain we’ll be having this conversation for either next year, or the year after–is Chelsea, Manhattan native YL. After dropping one of the year’s best and most underrated projects in, Open 24, the 20-year-old is back with the visual for the cut, “Heat Wave.”

Keeping it short and sweet with a length of just under two minutes, YL demonstrates his understanding of the microwave like attention spans of our current generation, the “Cinnamon” rapper keeps it smooth and mellow, playing the piano keys in what appears to be his room while casually reciting back the intricate bars coming from the track. With a keen eye for distinct angles and potent camera shots, the camp handled the video in house and though it was short, created an appeasing visual to match the equally easy-to-enjoy song.

Check out the video for, “Heat Wave” below and be sure to keep an eye out for more visuals from, Open 24