New York rap artist Slayter is the self-proclaimed, “tour guide to the underworld of New York City,” and his long-awaited EP, COLD AT NIGHT dropped today!
The MC was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Dyckman. His latest single is the title song from his debut Cinematic Music Group EP, COLD AT NIGHT. The hard-knock track, “COLD AT NIGHT,” features his contemporary, G Herbo. Together, the rappers delivered their somber truths about a vendetta against their enemies. “COLD AT NIGHT,” was premiered on Ebro’s Beats 1 radio show, and the “COLD AT NIGHT,” music video unleashed via WorldStarHipHop yesterday.
Prior to this, Slayter gained the attention of Jonny Shipes, founder, and CEO of independent hip-hop label Cinematic Music Group. Additionally, the indie star began working closely with Gabriel “Gaby” Acevedo — the Bronx legend responsible for managing the careers of top-tier lyricist like French Montana. With creative guidance, Slayter has been building his arsenal and paying dues towards his legacy.
On his previous street banger, “MHM,” Slayter gave a gritty glimpse of his stomping grounds over the track’s cannabis-induced production. The bass-rattling earworm propelled the anthemic momentum Slayter is well-known for throughout the independent-circuit. All the long hours in the studio are paying off because today Slayter makes his proper introduction to mainstays of the industry with his grandiose poetic, COLD AT NIGHT.
“This is an honest project! COLD AT NIGHT is me putting everything in front of the world. Coming from street hardships — I experienced losing loved ones, genuine love and betrayal. All these circumstances are lyrically encompassed on my EP. I wanted to make sure I did a project that people can relate to,” Slayter affirmed.
The Knockturnal caught up with Slayter to discuss which New York hip-hop artists move him, his manifestations of a Jorja Smith collaboration, and why he thinks COLD AT NIGHT is groundbreaking within the culture. Check out our one-on-one with Slayter now.
The Knockturnal: Describe your sound to new listeners.
Slayter: My sound is a combination of classic New York and my way of storytelling. I aim to take what I’ve experienced here in the city and other parts of my journey. I create sounds that are not only new and relatable, but that also paint a picture of who I am. Listening to my music will give you an introduction to my world. That is both the specific moments and overarching moods of my emotions.
The Knockturnal: Who do you put on for?
Slayter: There are a lot of people who have been encouraging and helping me learn along the way. My motivators include Jonny Shipes, the Cinematic Music Group team, my mom, and family.
The Knockturnal: What is your mantra?
Slayter: That is easy. It would be to stay true to myself and where I’ve come from. I focus on the positive and those who support me or show love. I’m working to build a future for myself, family, friends, and peers. This is in hopes that we can all be proud of the work.
The Knockturnal: Your song “BACK PAIN” is gaining visibility. What was your studio experience like recording your breakthrough single?
Slayter: It all came together unexpectedly. I found that beat on YouTube. It is funny that you asked me that. So, I heard the beat, and the song basically wrote itself.
The Knockturnal: Who are your contemporaries?
Slayter: My contemporaries are A$AP Ferg, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Lil Tjay, and Cardi B. I say this because I’m all for continuing to represent New York. I love to build from the different sounds we have going here. So, I’d definitely like to work with them. For my upcoming music, I’ve been in the studio with the producer A Lau, and Frankie P, who is from the Heights. We are trying out new sounds. We have a lot of really dope music on the way.
The Knockturnal: The “MHM” music video is taking off after its video premiere. How does that feel?
Slayter: We had fun shooting that video. The visuals are accurate to the experience you get when you’re uptown. To me, the video is really the perfect depiction of where I come from. My video is pieced up with authentic imagery. I wanted to share “MHM,” leading up to my project. I’m grateful to everyone whose taken the time to watch, like, comment, share. Yes, all of that. Shout out the director Fred Focus for putting that one together.
The Knockturnal: Who are your dream studio collaborations?
Slayter: Wow! A Jorja Smith hook would be fire. I think our sounds could complement one another musically really well. I’d love to work with her.`
The Knocktunal: What is on the way?
Slayter: My project, COLD AT NIGHT, dropped today. Also, there are more videos and new features. I am coming out strong this summer.
The Knockturnal: How do you anticipate your debut EP COLD AT NIGHT is going to be groundbreaking?
Slayter: It is a complete body of work. COLD AT NIGHT is authentic from start to finish. You get to know my story. I would like for people to listen to it without skipping a song. I want listeners to get an understanding of me as an artist and where I come from. It is only up from here.
