We’ve been tracking Mutant Academy’s rise from the very beginning here at RVA Magazine, and today marks a significant milestone in Richmond’s music scene as the local hip-hop collective drops their long-anticipated debut album, Keep Holly Alive. And it’s a defining moment for a true “if you know, you know” group that has spent over a decade carving out their place, both as solo artists and as a collective force.
Much like Wu-Tang Clan’s innovative blueprint, Mutant Academy operates in a way that allows its members to flourish both as solo artists and as a collective, creating a dynamic ecosystem where individual success strengthens the group’s legacy. Their sound, rooted in jazzy, hard-hitting boom-bap reminiscent of hip-hop’s golden era, pushes the genre forward with fresh energy. With Keep Holly Alive, the Richmond collective firmly establishes itself in hip-hop while paying tribute to its roots at Holly Block, the legendary neighborhood studio that served as the heartbeat of their creative efforts.
Released through Roc Nation Distribution, a new arm of Roc Nation, Keep Holly Alive unites Mutant Academy’s core members—Fly Anakin, Big Kahuna OG, Henny L.O., Ohbliv, Graymatter, Foisey, Ewonee, Sycho Sid, and Unlucky Bastards—into one cohesive project. Highlighted by the standout single “Liberation” featuring Quelle Chris, the album is a sonic journey that captures the raw, authentic energy at the heart of Richmond’s underground hip-hop scene.
The timing of the release is significant, as it arrives at a point where the group has matured, both creatively and financially. As Big Kahuna OG told Passion of the Weiss earlier this year, “Now is the time to do it ’cause we got the financial backing, we got the power now. Before we could have did it and it wouldn’t have come out exactly how he wanted to do it ’cause the imagination was bigger than the budget.”
Fly Anakin, who has earned acclaim for his solo work and collaborations with industry heavyweights like Madlib and Pink Siifu, continues to shine. Meanwhile, Graymatter’s production credits include work with Conway The Machine, and Big Kahuna OG’s catalog of projects during the pandemic helped solidify Mutant Academy’s growing reputation.
Keep Holly Alive isn’t just about individual success; it’s a tribute to Richmond’s homegrown talent. The album’s title and themes showcase Mutant Academy’s strong ties to the city and the experiences that have shaped their path.
We’ve been waiting for this moment, and now it’s time to give the album a spin and give these guys their flowers—it’s a true hip hop gem worth your time.
One more thought to put out there, as the local scene gains national recognition—with Skillz giving props to hometown heroes like Noah-O, Michael Millions, and Radio B on Drink Champs, and rising stars like Nettspend and Chandler making serious waves—Mutant Academy is poised to ride the city’s momentum to the national stage, much like Wu-Tang did for Staten Island. It feels like maybe Richmond’s moment in the broader hip-hop conversation has finally arrived.
Main photo by Jack McKain
