Rapper 1oneam has taken the spotlight in the underground rap scene with his recently refined sound. Through his distinctive voice, use of unique samples, collaborations with producer Tdf, and creative flows matched with his ambient trap beats, he has displayed his talent as both a rapper and producer. In 2024 alone, he released two projects—the first being One Life in May and One Death in October.
Over an eight-track album lasting just over 15 minutes, 1oneam silences conversation about him being an Izaya Tiji clone by solidifying and mastering his sound on One Death. The project opens with a strong intro track, “Facetime,” which is self-produced. He samples a FaceTime call chime, then layers drums, kicks, and 808s over it to create a truly unique listening experience. Matching the beat with a laid-back flow, he harmonizes his voice with the beat perfectly to form an effortless hit.
The second track on One Death, “Alicia Keys,” is produced by Tdf, who flips a sample of the Minecraft door-opening sound effect and matches it with a unique guitar riff and playful kicks and hi-hats. Together, 1oneam and Tdf create a song that leaves listeners with a catchy tune stuck in their heads.
Although he has recently received more recognition as a producer, one of his most frequent collaborators, Tdf, should be credited for 1oneam’s rise. Producing many released and unreleased tracks for 1oneam, Tdf has been instrumental to his career, and fans can only hope they continue to collaborate in the future.
The work between 1oneam and Tdf is so sought after that fans leak their music to the public and upload it on SoundCloud for those who manage to find it. All of their collaborations are excellent; however, their leaked song “Twin Flame” stands out as some of their best work. This track exemplifies their mastery of the ambient, airy, cloud trap sound that 1oneam has been developing. 1oneam rides the beat effortlessly, creating a verse that is both memorable and fun. The intro to this track also hints at Tdf’s upcoming album, which is sure to feature 1oneam.
Much of 1oneam’s recent hype stems from one of the songs on One Death trending on TikTok. That song, the eighth and final track on the project, is “Death of Me.” Produced by 1oneam himself, he creates a dreamy trap beat reminiscent of a lullaby. Paired with his smooth delivery and iconic stutter, the song is one that anyone can enjoy, regardless of how accustomed they are to the sound of underground rap.
