The Serious Star Potential of 99 Neighbors

If I may, I’d like to be honest with you. Prior to two weeks ago, I hadn’t heard about 99 Neighbors. I hadn’t listened to a single song, was not struck by familiarity by any of the members’ names, nor could I have told you what I was expecting when I responded in the affirmative to an opportunity to cover the opening show of their first-ever tour. What I did not expect, however, was to be leaving the Brick & Mortar Music Hall rooting for the success of a group like I haven’t in a long time.

Sam Paulino of 99 Neighbors by Dorothy Eck

99 Neighbors by Dorothy Eck

99 Neighbors is a self-described “collective of rappers, singers, songwriters, producers, instrumentalists, and visual artists” hailing from Burlington, Vermont. The seven-member group officially formed in 2018 but has its roots in a series of long-standing friendships and collaborations. Sam Paulino (vocalist/songwriter) and HANKNATIVE (vocalist/songwriter) grew up together as high-school friends, as did Somba (producer/engineer/composer) and Juju (producer/multi-instrumentalist/composer). The two duos found each other after a fateful DM exchange and were joined by high school friend Shane (photographer/designer), completing the group’s original composition. Aidan (singer/songwriter) and Swank (rapper/songwriter) joined a short time later; by then the collective’s apartment became a touchstone for the creative and aspiring artists within Burlington. Jared Fier (DJ/producer/engineer) joined around the group’s 2019 self-release, Television, completing the group’s current construction.

2019’s Television turned heads and helped them become the hottest hip-hop act in Burlington. “Facts” calls out doubters and flows with brash and confident lyricism. Just two songs later, “Lock N Key” sways with groovy alternative-R&B production. Aidan’s somber vocals throughout “Coughing Up Smoke” layered on top of a never-resolving piano pair wonderfully, and pull back the curtain on the group’s more intimate side.

2019 saw the group release additional singles. Notably “welcome to chili’s” is an embarrassment of lyrical riches from the act’s three main rappers, with each rapper seamlessly upping the bravado in a way that fits perfectly with production punctuated by a hypnotizing bass and sax. “Thunder” is a tumultuous self-portrait that dives into the dark and clouded corners of the group’s creative powers, not unlike the labyrinths in which thunder itself echoes. “Ripstick” keeps the formula simple: 808s and bass serves as the perfect canvas on which 99’s MCs flex their prowess

Their 2019 releases were followed up by a handful of singles over the next two years. 2020’s “GUTS” absolutely deserves to be blasted at your next party. 2021’s “N. Michigan Gospel” was practically crafted in a lab for when you want some serious self-reflection. Their self-released debut and the subsequent releases hinted at an ability to explore the many intersections of hip-hop and other genres (jazz, R&B, alternative) while leaning into the lyricism and chemistry that all great groups possess.

The group has drawn comparisons to BROCKHAMPTON in construction (large male-dominant collective) though musically it’s easy to see the influences of artists like Mac Miller, Trippie Redd, and JUICE WRLD.

The group possesses serious star potential, which was validated with their release of 2021’s Wherever You’re Going I Hope It’s Great and their Tuesday performance at the Brick & Mortar Music Hall.

Aidan Ostby pictured by Dorothy Eck

The Brick & Mortar Music Hall is a smaller venue. Standing by the stage, it’s almost impossible for the musicians to be out of earshot. The proximity with which the audience awaits the performers makes audience interaction only natural and expected. As 99 Neighbors set up their mics and double checked equipment on the small stage, Hank (ie. HANKNATIVE) started conversing with the crowd. He detailed the group’s first ever excursions into San Francisco (filled with a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf and lots of sushi). Hank seemed taken aback, in awe that their music has brought them to a city thousands of miles away from their hometown.

This detail would remain with them for the entirety of their show; from the talking out loud moments (“We’re really in San Francisco daaaamn”) to the monologues that shed light on how dumbfounded the musicians are that they actually have this many fans so far from home (“I had no idea what I was honestly expecting, like what if two fans showed up?”). It was so fresh to attend a concert for a group that was in new terrain and touring for the first time. The joy with which the group carried themselves was authentic and palpable. Like so many of us can relate to, they were so thankful just to be there after everything the past two years had thrown at the group.

The show began with a sobering detail from Sam and Hank. Swank, one of the group’s core MCs, would not be joining the group for the show and the duration of the tour. In an intimate Instagram post, Swank revealed to his fans that he needs to take time to take care of his mental health, and that’d be near impossible to do on tour with all of the mayhem it can offer. It came across as a difficult thing to admit, but I was taken aback by the grace with which they communicated their support for their friend. They asked the crowd for help to fill the void left by Swank’s absence, a challenge that the five dozen or so of us took up gladly.

Their setlist was a mix of songs from Wherever You’re Going I Hope It’s Great, Television, their 2019 singles, and even included the solo projects of Hank and Sam. Every song was amplified by the crowd, who rapped entire verses (word-for-word) and answered every call and response so intensely you’d swear there were twice as many people there.

“Right Now” and “Eastside” were prime examples of the group’s raw talent, as Hank and Sam traded bars for impressive range and vocals. “Fuck No”, the group’s most popular song by streaming metrics, was an exhilitaring excuse to fly those middle fingers in the air. The highlight of it all is a toss up between Aidan’s haunting rendition of “N. Michigan Hospital” and the mind bending word play with which Hank and Sam rapped “welcome to chili’s”. Throughout the concert, they weren’t afraid to join the crowd or hand their mics out. It truly made for a unique show.

As the show wrapped up I couldn’t help but appreciate what I witnessed. A collective of seriously talented musicians who are each other’s biggest fans. They’re just beginning to scratch the surface of their sound and direction and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Indeed, wherever 99 Neighbors is going, I know it will be good.