‘Monochrome’ season is finally upon us.
Following his new single “on dat shit,” Highway announced on Monday that the wait for his highly anticipated Monochrome EP is finally over — set to arrive later this week on Friday (May 5).
As one of the most highly-anticipated artists of the new wave, the anticipation has grown even greater during the lead up to Highway’s new project. In addition to its impending release date, on Monday he unveiled the project’s striking cover art designed by internationally renowned graffiti artist and fellow Seattle-native, CHITO — as well as its 13-song tracklist including two very notable features from Ty Dolla $ign and Seddy Hendrinx.
With his new EP impending, “on dat shit” is the perfect way to ring in Monochrome season. The new single shows the rising Seattle-native at his best, showcasing his striking melodic tone and distinct production choices. Produced by go-to Xjay – who’s produced many fan-favorites including the legendary “Better Float” – Highway glides over a light flute melody and booming drums, showing off his versatile delivery that somehow always manages to sound like a dual-wielded rapping and singing.
Additionally, Noah So Cold put together a stunning visual for the accompanying video, with Highway looking like the picture of cool-confidence as he posts up at various locations in his home city of Seattle surrounded by surreal eye-popping edits perfectly synced with the roomshaking production.
The “on dat shit” video feels like it unlocks a different map of the same monochromatic black-and-white world Highway has been building out in the “Jet” and “Sin City” (with Jetsonmade) visuals released in the leadup to the new project – with a slight detour and splash of color for his noteworthy collab with fellow rising star Joony on “Bad Time.”
Monochrome will be Highway’s first release since Livin Like That this past November, which included standouts “I Used To” and Destroy Lonely collab “By Myself,” a catchy upbeat new wave anthem which quickly became his biggest song to date. Since then, Highway’s star has only risen with his first Rolling Loud appearance and a prominent feature in Supreme x THEM Magazine’s SS23 Campaign alongside the highly sought-after CHITO – who lent his distinct graffiti style for the cover of Monochrome.
While he’s undoubtedly one of the underground’s most promising hidden gems, few artists are positioned for mainstream success like Highway. With the long-awaited Monochrome finally set to release this week, it will be exciting to watch a new wave superfans convert upon discovering the new generation’s best-kept secret.
Watch Highway’s “on dat shit” below
