In this edition of Folded Frequencies, we spin a story of subtle power across three artists: Elexen challenges perception in compressed bravado, ParaFaNailia hones her inner poise in textured reflection, and Girl Is The New Boy crafts identity through sonic aesthetics. United by their mission—folding the raw edges of introspection into bold, compact statements—they each deliver moments meant to stick.
🎧 Elexen – Play (Single)
Bloomington, IL-based rapper Elexen drops his striking new single Play, released April 26, 2025 via Quantummm. Clocking in at just over one minute, it packs a punch with tight lyricism and stripped-back production. This minimal yet loaded approach lets Elexen’s presence dominate the track—his flow confident and unfiltered. Known for blending conscious themes with gangsta rap grit, Play continues that lineage by touching on vulnerability and control, as Elexen challenges listeners to reflect on who’s really in the driver’s seat of their own lives. Though brief, the song carves space for introspection, setting it apart from typical radio filler.
Elexen’s recent output, including Play and SHE, demonstrates his knack for brevity with impact—delivering raw emotional arcs in mere minutes . For Folded Waffle’s audience, Play positions him as a rising voice in conscious-leaning rap who refuses compromise. With nothing to hide and everything to say, Elexen invites us into a moment of clarity: this isn’t just a flex—it’s a declaration of intent.
🎶 ParaFaNailia – Game
Emerging alternative hip-hop artist ParaFaNailia returns with Game, the second single from her 2025 releases. Dropped February 22 under E.M.A.G. Records, this track weaves neo-soul grooves with incisive lyrical commentary—balancing vulnerability and strength. While specifics around ParaFaNailia’s background are still emerging, Game showcases her knack for musical fusion: she layers mellow chord progressions with spoken-word cadence to explore themes of competition, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. The contrast between smooth neo-soul textures and underlying hip-hop rhythms mirrors her journey navigating multiple creative identities.
ParaFaNailia’s rhythms and delivery invite listeners into her internal strategy: the game of life, the struggle to stay centered amid chaos. It’s a moment of quiet defiance. For the Folded Waffle mission—spotlighting artists who resist expectation—ParaFaNailia offers a fresh take: power in subtlety, strength in nuance, and consistency in the balance of sound and story.
🔊 Girl Is The New Boy – Fashion Me A Drum
Hailing from Australia via Monday Records, Girl Is The New Boy lands with their debut collaboration Fashion Me A Drum, released June 5, 2025. The track fuses alternative hip-hop with neo-soul ambiance, showcasing a moody yet catchy interplay between vocal melodies and boombap drums. Stylized lyrics hint at identity and presentation—fashion as armor, rhythm as heartbeat—and blend introspective wordplay with groove-laced production. The accompanying visuals, released six days ago, highlight minimalist staging and focus on the duo’s chemistry, setting a laid-back yet compelling tone .
For Folded Waffle’s readers, this is a soundtrack for understated empowerment. Fashion Me A Drum marks a confident debut, one that moves between worlds—urban and ethereal, conscious and freeform—all while staying tethered to personal authenticity.
