It can be challenging for new rappers to stand out in today’s crowded streaming era, but Maxo Kream has released a slew mixtapes and singles which captivated listeners with vivid lyrics about family and street life.

This past January, he released his debut studio album ‘Punken,’ which highlighted his storytelling abilities. On the Wlderness-produced standout track “Roaches,” the rapper keeps it real as he reflects on times of both innocence and violence in his childhood, from watching wrestling to shooting his first gun.

“Roaches” also references last year’s Hurricane Harvey and how it devastated Maxo’s family in Houston.