Hus Kingpin

Hus Kingpin (born Cory Atkins, April 12, 1982), also known as Hus "Wavo" Kingpin or Lord Wavy, is an American rapper, lyricist, and entrepreneur celebrated for his evocative, gritty contributions to the underground hip-hop scene. Hailing from Hempstead, Long Island, New York, with roots in Brooklyn, Hus emerged in the mid-2000s as part of the duo Tha Connection alongside SmooVth, gaining international traction through releases on labels like Japan’s Goon Trax and Switzerland’s Feelin’ Music. His career, spanning over two decades, is marked by a prolific discography—over 40 projects by 2025—blending boom-bap aesthetics with cinematic storytelling and a distinctive wavy, off-kilter flow. Notable for his collaborations with Roc Marciano, Madlib, and 9th Wonder, Hus has cultivated a sound that bridges New York’s golden era with modern underground sensibilities, earning praise from outlets like Stereogum, Bandcamp Daily, and The Source. Now based in Los Angeles, his work with his crew #TheWinners and his label Wavo 3000 reflects a relentless drive to innovate, making him a pivotal figure in the genre’s evolution as of March 23, 2025.

Early life

Cory Atkins was born on April 12, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Caribbean descent—his mother from Barbados and his father from Trinidad. His early years were nomadic, shaped by his father’s career as a U.S. Navy officer, which saw the family relocate to Queens, South Philadelphia, and even Hawaii before settling in Hempstead, Long Island, during his high school years. Hempstead, a town with a rich hip-hop lineage including forebears like Rakim and Roc Marciano, provided the cultural bedrock for Atkins’s musical ambitions.

Atkins adopted the name "Hus Kingpin" in his late teens—short for "Hustle"—a nod to his streetwise persona and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up, he was immersed in New York’s 1990s rap scene, drawing inspiration from Nas, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and Max B, whose "wavy" aesthetic would later influence his own style. Before music, he navigated Hempstead’s tough streets, an experience that infused his rhymes with raw authenticity.

Career

Tha Connection and international beginnings (2005–2012)

Hus Kingpin’s rap career began in the mid-2000s with Tha Connection, a duo formed with fellow Hempstead rapper SmooVth. Their debut, Love Royale, released in 2008 on Tokyo’s Goon Trax label, introduced a jazzy, lo-fi sound that resonated overseas, particularly in Japan. This was followed by releases on Switzerland’s Feelin’ Music and features with Germany’s Melting Pot Music, showcasing Hus’s early knack for international collaboration. His Tribute to Jun series, a homage to Japanese producer Nujabes under his Digi Crates Records imprint, further cemented his cult following in Asia.

During this period, Hus honed a style blending dusty boom-bap beats with vivid, impressionistic lyrics, drawing comparisons to Prodigy for his staggered cadence and dark narratives. Tha Connection’s output laid the groundwork for his solo pursuits, though the duo remained active intermittently.

Solo career and The Cognac Tape (2013–2016)

Hus’s stateside breakthrough came with The Cognac Tape in 2013, hosted by Hempstead legend Roc Marciano and released via Mello Music Group. Featuring production from Snowgoons and Khrysis, alongside verses from SmooVth, Rozewood, and Marciano, the mixtape melded street philosophy with luxurious imagery, earning critical acclaim for its lyrical density. Tracks like "Boss Material 2" showcased his alliterative finesse, cementing his reputation among New York revivalists.

Relocating to Atlanta in 2012 and later Los Angeles, Hus expanded his scope, releasing projects like House of Kingpin (2015) and Lord Wavy (2015), the latter hosted by actor Mahershala Ali. His 2016 collaboration with SmooVth, H.N.I.C.: Hempstead Niggas In Charge, paid tribute to Prodigy’s solo legacy, reinforcing his ties to Long Island’s rap heritage.

Mainstream attention and 16 Waves (2017–2020)

Hus’s profile surged with 16 Waves (2017), a mixtape featuring a Madlib-produced opener, "Lootpack," where he boldly claimed, “I’m the nicest since Nas passed the torch over.” Stereogum lauded its “weird and personal” artistry, noting his ability to evoke Prodigy’s dark introspection without mimicking his rasp. Tracks like “Cocaine Beach” with Big Ghost Ltd. and “Waves R Us” with DJ Caesar further showcased his versatility, blending diaristic storytelling with baroque threats.

In 2020, Portishus, inspired by Portishead, marked a sonic pivot, layering poetic rhymes over moody, trip-hop-influenced beats. Bandcamp Daily hailed it as a bold reinvention, with lines like those on “Beth Gibbons” revealing a softer, introspective side. That year’s End of a Decade featured heavyweights like Action Bronson, Planet Asia, and Kool G Rap, underscoring his growing clout.

Later career and #TheWinners (2021–2025)

Hus’s later years saw him refine his craft with projects like The Firm (2021), Bjorkingpin (2022), and The Supergoat (2024) with 9th Wonder. His crew, #TheWinners—featuring SmooVth, Rozewood, Marvelous Mag, and producer Giallo Point—emerged as a creative hub, releasing collaborative works like Paid in Full (2023) with SmooVth. Operating under his Wavo 3000 label, Hus has prioritized artistic control, distributing vinyl and CDs directly to fans. As of March 23, 2025, Hus remains a prolific force, with over 41,000 monthly Spotify listeners and a discography that continues to expand, blending nostalgia with innovation.

Musical style and influences

Hus Kingpin’s sound fuses 1990s New York boom bap with a modern, wavy twist, characterized by jazzy loops, heavy basslines, and a flinty, off-beat delivery. He describes it as “Nas, Portishead, Sade, Noreaga, and Scarface forming Voltron,” a poetic yet gritty amalgam. Influences include Roc Marciano’s minimalism, Prodigy’s dark cadence, and Max B’s melodic flair, alongside non-rap acts like Portishead and Björk. His lyrics weave violent vignettes with personal reflection—tracks like “Shallow Graves” and “Ghost in the Sunshine” balance menace with vulnerability. Critics praise his ability to “push old sounds to new places,” avoiding commercial concessions while appealing to purists and innovators alike.

Personal life

Hus resides in Los Angeles, having left New York to broaden his creative horizons. He maintains close ties with his #TheWinners crew and credits his Caribbean heritage for his eclectic perspective. Private about his personal affairs, he has cited family—particularly his parents—as a grounding influence, often texting his mother during moments of existential reflection.

Discography

Selected albums and mixtapes

• Love Royale (with Tha Connection, 2008)
• The Cognac Tape (2013)
• House of Kingpin (2015)
• H.N.I.C.: Hempstead Niggas In Charge (with SmooVth, 2016)
• 16 Waves (2017)
• Cocaine Beach (with Big Ghost Ltd, 2017)
• Portishus (2020)
• End of a Decade (2020)
• The Firm (2021)
• Bjorkingpin (2022)
• The Supergoat (with 9th Wonder, 2024)

References

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