Atlanta-based rapper Styngray is proving once again that independent hip-hop can thrive without industry shortcuts. With his new single “Be Mine,” the versatile artist sharpens his reputation as a boundary-pusher, blending emotional honesty with sonic finesse. Known for coining the term “poetic realism” to describe his style, Styngray uses this release to step away from the grit of his previous single “Unbreakable” and deliver something smoother, more melodic, yet equally authentic.
Produced by Southern hitmaker Mr. Hanky, the track rides a polished, groove-heavy beat that balances underground credibility with mainstream accessibility. Rather than crowding the production, Styngray leans into restraint—letting the instrumental breathe and allowing his words to land with precision. His delivery shows a mature artist who no longer feels the need to overstate his presence; his voice already commands attention.
Adding another layer to “Be Mine” is singer Chertrease, whose soulful chorus gives the song its emotional backbone. The collaboration feels organic, with Styngray and Chertrease trading space in a way that builds intimacy instead of competition. The interplay between rap and soul creates a conversation within the track, one that listeners are naturally drawn into.
Lyrically, Styngray avoids the easy tropes of love songs. Instead of grand declarations or surface-level lines, his writing comes across as grounded and deeply human.
That sincerity seems to be resonating. “Be Mine” has already cracked #108 on Mediabase and climbed to #7 on the Digital Radio Tracker indie chart, an impressive feat for an artist navigating his career independently. Styngray’s journey, moving from Chicago to New York before settling in Atlanta, reflects the same persistence that now defines his music.
With “Be Mine,” Styngray shows that softening the tone doesn’t mean losing power. Instead, it reveals a new dimension of strength—one rooted in connection, craft, and growth.