Hop On The Gravy Train

The Midwest rapper on his latest drop, Gasanova. 

( Courtesy of Universal Music Group )

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Minnesota roots, clean ‘70s fashion, a solid freestyle and your mom’s favorite rapper. That’s Matthew Hauri, better known as Yung Gravy. 

Since his debut album in 2016, Thanksgiving’s Eve, Gravy has made a name for himself with hit singles such as Mr. Clean and 1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot. Simply put, in a press conference attended by Rowdy, Gravy describes his sound as a blend of, “Soul samples, trap beats, fun music and mom music.” 

Definitely an untraditional combination, Yung Gravy stands out in the rap industry and has helped pioneer a subgenre that focuses on easygoing beats and comedic messages. 

So far in 2020, Yung Gravy’s been on a roll. He’s already released an album this year in collaboration with bbno$, titled Baby Gravy 2. After returning home during the pandemic, Gravy spent some quality time with ‘day one friends’, played some Xbox, and essentially fell back in love with the rap game. If you thought he’d be jaded after four full album releases, think again. 

So, what’s in store for fans? His classic vibe, revamped. When asked how his writing style has changed since 2016, he explained that he’s been getting really into toplining. His current method is going into the studio, freestyling ‘gibberish’, and building on top of that. (Also, if you needed another reason to stan, Gravy sported a Roe v. Wade shirt during the interview. King shit!) 

Reflecting on this evolution, he said, “I’m still the same old smooth Gravy, but it’s like I’ve grown from an adolescent Gravy into a dad Gravy. I was learning before, and I finally feel like I know what I’m doing. I’m the family man of the rap game today, and this is my job.”

On Friday, Yung Gravy dropped his fifth studio album, Gasanova.

Gravy doesn’t disappoint. Complete with 14 tracks, Gasanova features previously released single Gas Money as well as hilarious songs such as Martha Stewart. There’s a newfound flow paired with his signature inclusions of vintage samples and horns. While there’s no pinup girl on this album’s cover, it’s still just as colorful and fun.

Yung Gravy said he thinks this lighthearted music is exactly what the world needs right now. Aiming to keep the positive energy alive, Gravy’s favorite part of his music is the confidence it gives people. 

So, if you haven’t yet hopped on the Gravy Train, what are you doing? If you’re new to the hype, we asked Gravy to describe Gasanova’s vibe in three words. He said: “It thumps. It’s carefree. It’s gas.”

There you have it, folks. Stream Gasanova for a good time. 

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Madeline Murphy is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. She’s currently studying Journalism with a minor in Women’s Studies. Madeline can be found making Apple Music playlists, trying Nigella Lawson recipes and binging SATC. She’s fiercely passionate about social justice and the power of words. Her Instagram is @maduhlinemurphy