After sharing a pair of viral singles in “Hell Yeah” and “swaggin like this” with Lancey Foux, Tana seems to be dropping heat on “autopilot” lately.
Discretely released on SoundCloud under an account named “underdogs,” his new track “autopilot” is filled with mesmerizing vocals and hard-hitting production specific to the teen phenom’s signature sound. Throughout the track, he flexes his come-up and even shouts out new wave compatriot Destroy Lonely, singing: “Put the Tesla in autopilot / Feel like Lone I ain’t got no stylist.”
The aforementioned underdogs — which is presumed to be a rap collective formed by Tana — seems to include other close affiliates like Yung Fazo and producer Zayskillz. Soon after “autopilot’s” release, Tana and underdogs flooded the underground with a 5-track SoundCloud tape, Serenity, on Saturday (Aug. 27).
Touting a handful of production credits from Tana himself, Serenity sees the 15-year-old rapper exchange heavily melodic verses over scathing, experimental beats. “kountinup” — a high-powered collab from Tana and Yung Fazo — and “bloody runtz” by Dom Corleo evidently prove to be two major standouts from the project, as Tana asserts his talent and willingness to innovate within his sound once more.
— ta (@tanatana) August 25, 2022
its jus us. we dnt need nobody
— u (@tanatana) August 29, 2022
The mixtape also includes electro-infused cuts from Shaio and Katozai, as a rare verse from Zayskillz on “dum” — who is best known for producing hits for SSGKobe, Slump6s, sgpwes and more — gives the collective a uniquely versatile flair. Young super-producer Dusjni handled the project’s mixing and mastering, as the teen phenom touts production credits on Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale, Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind and so much more.
underdogs is also known to have two creative directors in @xanopia and @fant0mm_. Xanopia is the co-owner and designer for Xanfool — an underground clothing brand started by the 15-year-old designer in partnership with @cadenhoang_. Xanfool has been worn by artists such as Slump6s, yvngxchris, and midwxst.
Ever since changing his name from BabySantana to Tana, fans are seeing the Georgia star evolve swiftly at such a young age. It will be interesting to see the direction Tana takes within this newfound collective and what other collaborations we’ll eventually receive from the “underdogs” of the underground.
Listen to ‘Serenity’ here!