M Huncho ‘The Wizard’: An MM Review

The Wizard marks a defining moment for the UK Godfather of Trap. Returning with his third studio album, M Huncho opts for a conceptual body of work inspired by the classic fantasy film The Wizard of Oz, using its characters to explore the complexities behind the mask. The album expands the trap wave landscape, with Huncho using the film as a metaphor for the music industry, specifically the exhaustion of living behind a façade.

Huncho explores the grittier, more realistic, and emotionally enduring sides of the industry while diving deeper into the man behind the mask. The Wizard serves as Huncho’s most vulnerable and evolved record to date, blending a conceptual framework with a push into the trap soundscape to explore themes of identity, defiance, and self-perception.

The opening single, ‘WIZARD OF OZ’, and the corresponding music video contrast the Emerald City with London as a means of exploring the evolution of the UK rap scene. It’s symbolic of Huncho’s contributions to pushing trap forward while addressing his dedicated fans. As he embraces his nickname as the Wizard, Huncho spreads a message of commitment, self-belief, and perseverance. The final scene depicts Huncho taking off his mask, emblematic of the central themes of identity and vulnerability across the album.

Huncho’s collaboration with his long-term producer Quincy Tell Em, alongside his reunion with Nafe Smallz and Headie One, is a nod to their ongoing commitment to expanding the sonic landscape of trap while dipping into rap and drill. ‘STRANDED @ SEA,’ with Nafe Smallz, serves as a tribute to their artistry and fanbases while offering a promise to persevere in what you believe in.

‘CASH STACKIN,’ with drill heavyweight Headie One, is a classic trap and road rap track, with braggadocious lyrics flexing their wealth over sliding 808s and wavy synths. Meanwhile, ‘WILD N’ FREE,’ with North Carolina’s SOSOCAMO, mirrors Huncho’s melodic rap style with influences from Future. It’s a refreshing blend of the UK and Atlanta trap scenes, while their lyrics reflect on their relationship with money, success, and the assumptions that come with those achievements.

The album is woven together by references to The Wizard of Oz, using its literary characters to dissect the emotionally enduring nature of the music industry. ‘TINMAN’ is a nod to the industrialisation and emotional disconnect that the original character represents. Huncho channels Tinman’s search for humanity after a lifetime of factory work as he reflects on the emotional detachment that has come with his relentless work ethic.

The track moves between the past, present, and future as Huncho reflects on managing the pressures of his career in the spotlight, while remaining candid about the ways in which money can change people. This has led M Huncho to favour a sense of peace, while also desiring to retreat from the outside world, which is complemented by the soft, idyllic production. The album artwork by Freddie Peacock encapsulates Huncho’s contrasting environments and mental states, balancing the demands of the industry with the search for tranquillity and inner peace.

‘COWARDLY LION’ continues Huncho’s literary connection to the character that represents courage, specifically in the face of questioning self-worth, while consistently putting on a brave face. Huncho channels the Lion’s overarching message that courage comes from within and requires fear to exist. It is an emotionally charged track that continues Huncho’s outspoken support for Palestine and Sudan. The track serves as a social commentary that explores political hypocrisies while reiterating his courage as he repeats, “You can’t ever buy my silence.” The track is a standout moment on the album, where the laid-back production lets Huncho’s sharp lyricism dominate. 

Quincy Tell Em’s contributions to the album can be credited as one of the project’s most evolving aspects. The cinematic soundscape seamlessly blends clean, atmospheric trap instrumentals with the immersive elements of the album’s conceptual framework. It’s a well-executed creative push from the undisputed duo, who continue to expand their footprint across the trap wave genre. ‘WE UP’ balances self-indulgence and self-awareness over hard-hitting bass. ‘PUSH THE BUTTON’ is a modern rap track with electrifying cuts. The album features Quincy’s most dynamic production work alongside Huncho’s signature melodic delivery and sharp wordplay.

The Wizard showcases M Huncho’s personal and artistic growth without compromising his signature trap wave style. Through its conceptual foundation, Huncho reveals what is behind the mask and finds a balance between revealing the realities and pressures of his career and the music industry more broadly. Yet Huncho continues to protect his identity and privacy while pushing his sound forward as he reaches new heights on The Wizard.

Star Rating: 4/5

Words by Jule Riemenschneider