Hip Hop duo out of Michigan brings genre
back to its roots with new single ‘Swerve Talk’
LANSING, MI – Hip Hop is music that comes from the streets. It’s a genre that was born as a
voice for the people – a reflection of the gritty reality that times are not always easy, good
people don’t always get ahead, and opportunity and justice are just pretty words spouted by
the privileged few who have never known life without them.
Two relatives out of Lansing, Michigan want to bring Hip Hop back to those foundations and
their unique style of music is gaining attention throughout the Upper Midwest. Mo Betta and D
Eagle don’t play the fake game. From the moment they started rapping together as children,
they’ve made a pact to serve their listeners a more authentic brand of Hip Hop. Holding their
art to a higher standard, these two talented wordsmiths are bringing a refreshing realism to the
game – a genuineness born from their collective hardship.
“We’ve been fucked with and we’ve served time,” D Eagle said. “We’ve seen the world for what
it is, put that into words and strapped a fat beat on it. All we ask now is that you listen.”
Operating under the name Fortified Hustlas (FH), this rap duo has dropped a new single that is
turning heads both for its originality and its nod to old-school Hip Hop. “Swerve Talk” is a song
that uses the rich life as a metaphor for the struggles of the streets – with powerful imagery
serving as a testament for the hard things people have to do to survive. Paired with an upbeat
tempo, the hard-hitting lyrics are exactly the kind of Hip Hop rap that the genre was created
for. And though it’s not exactly a club-driving tune, it does have a beat and vibe that would fit
right in with those who love having a good time at the club.
The song features well-known Michigan artist El’Zappo, who brings his unique flow and witty
lyricism to the single in ways that the duo says perfectly rounds out the message they were
trying to get across.
“We touch almost all areas with our music,” Mo Betta said. “We’re lyrical but at the same time
we mix in our music with new sounds of today. Plus, there aren’t too many duos out there
today. In the last 10 to15 years, there haven’t been a lot of duos that you’re actually familiar
with. We’re blood cousins who have been rapping together for about 10 years, and we’ve
developed something that is very professional and sounds like nothing else out there today.”
D Eagle said he and his cousin have been inspired by some of the legends of Hip Hop over the
years – from Wutang to Jadakiss, Jay-Z and Fabulous. Some current artists also serve as
inspirations including J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby and Quando Rondo. Like those big name
artists, they want FH to become a known household name not just for bringing good vibes but
for having a unique voice in the world of Hip Hop.
“Our music is about realism,” he said. “We’re teaching people something. We’re not just
rapping but are trying to teach and send out a message through the stuff we say.”
In addition to “Swerve Talk,” FH just finished a new song in the studio and is working toward its
release before the end of 2019. The duo is also working on developing music videos for their
new singles and plans to drop an EP sometime in 2020.
To listen to FH’s music or to follow them on social media, please visit:
https://www.instagram.com/fortifiedent/
https://www.facebook.com/fhentllc/
https://twitter.com/fhentllc
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIkgxLpz_ttwK-ny4PZAewA
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qHXIsQTJc1WdSY4RrOncA?si=X3JHThcLS0el4OFsmlpq8g