Hi-Rez

Hi-Rez, born Jesse Friedman in 1993 in the Bronx, New York, is a notable figure in contemporary hip-hop. Shortly after his birth, Hi-Rez’s family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was exposed to the vibrant world of East Coast hip-hop through his older brother. This early immersion in music, coupled with his admiration for Kanye West’s groundbreaking album *The College Dropout*, ignited his passion for rapping. By his early teens, Hi-Rez was already crafting his own lyrics, drawing inspiration from both modern and classic rap influences.

Hi-Rez gained attention with his dynamic lyrical style and unique blend of contemporary and old-school elements. His notable tours with artists like King Los, G-Eazy, Cory Gunz, and Riff Raff showcased his talent and expanded his reach within the rap community. One of his standout moments came with the viral hit “First Day Out,” a playful AI rap song about Donald Trump, which, despite its political subject, was crafted with the intent to entertain and uplift listeners.

From 2014 to 2017, Hi-Rez focused heavily on touring and music releases, including the 2016 mixtape *Never Say Die* featuring collaborations with Riff Raff, Smoke DZA, and Masta Ace. His official debut album, *Missing Pieces*, arrived in 2017, followed by the introspective *Humble But Hungry* in 2018. The latter album featured the poignant track “We Want Change,” a response to the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he lost cousins Nick and Alexander Dworet.

In July 2019, Hi-Rez released *Only for the Fans: The Album*, which achieved significant success by charting on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums and Independent Albums lists. The following year, he continued his musical journey with *Forgive & Regret*. His subsequent singles, such as “Woke Up,” “Make God Cool Again,” and “This Is a War,” reflected a growing focus on social and political commentary. Hi-Rez’s 2021 collaboration with Tech N9ne, Twista, and Bizzy Bone on “Overdrive” highlighted his versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of rap.

Hi-Rez remains a prominent voice in hip-hop, known for his rapid-fire delivery, heartfelt lyrics, and a blend of social commentary with entertaining rap. His evolving discography continues to engage and inspire a broad audience, solidifying his place in the genre.