Styngray doesn’t just want your attention—he wants your heart. And with his new single “Be Mine,” he might just get both.
The Chicago-born, Atlanta-based rapper has steadily carved a lane in the independent hip-hop circuit, and his latest release is arguably his most compelling yet. Produced by Mr. Hanky (the producer behind hits like “California” by Colonel Loud and “Wobble” by V.I.C.), “Be Mine” marks a striking shift from Styngray’s previous material—not in authenticity, but in tone. Where “Unbreakable” was about perseverance through pain, “Be Mine” leans into vulnerability, without losing the edge that defines his “poetic realism” approach.
The track’s opening moments set the mood with lush, melodic production that immediately announces this is not another drill or trap joint. Instead, there’s a soulful warmth that wraps around Styngray’s verses—an emotional honesty that feels more like a diary than a flex. Enter Chertrease, an emerging Atlanta vocalist who delivers a hook that’s equal parts yearning and power. Her voice doesn’t just float; it commands.
It’s a smart collaboration. Chertrease doesn’t just “feature”—she elevates. And together, the pair manage to pull off something that’s increasingly rare in today’s hip-hop: a love song that actually feels believable.
That believability might be part of why “Be Mine” is climbing the charts. It’s currently #7 on the Digital Radio Tracker’s global chart for indie artists and broke into the Mediabase Top 200 at #108. These aren’t numbers padded by bots or gimmicky trends—they’re the result of Styngray’s persistent grind and growing reputation as a true performer. He’s not TikTok-viral or algorithm-crafted. He’s building something brick by brick.
Styngray’s backstory reads like the blueprint of a hip-hop journeyman: from Chicago talent shows to New York stages to Atlanta clubs. What makes him stand out, though, is the way he continues to evolve without losing sight of his lyrical foundation. Citing influences like Nas and LL Cool J, he straddles that elusive line between nostalgia and next-wave relevance. There’s craftsmanship in his bars, but also clarity—he knows who he is and who he’s talking to.
“Be Mine” is a reminder that rap doesn’t have to be all braggadocio and trauma. It can be tender, even sweet, without sacrificing credibility. And that’s what makes Styngray’s move here feel significant. He’s not chasing trends—he’s chasing connection.
Whether he’s performing at underground spots like The iLounge or catching the eye of Turner Broadcasting at Da Brat’s “Who’s Got That Vibe,” Styngray is playing the long game. He’s not aiming to be a moment; he’s building a movement.
You can stream “Be Mine” now through First Kings Entertainment, and if Styngray keeps this pace, don’t be surprised when his name moves from indie playlists to mainstream rotations. He’s not just asking listeners to “be his”—he’s making a case for why hip-hop should make space for artists like him.
