Nate Butcher, better known as IM’PERETIV, is a producer carving out his own lane from the Canadian West Coast. He’s not new to this; with two decades of supporting Canadian talent, he’s earned his stripes as a conductor of boom-bap and trap textures. His collaborator for this track, Asun Eastwood, is a familiar heavyweight in the underground scene, known for a pen game that demands respect. Together, released via Supreme Genes, they represent a bridge between the classic era of crate-digging production and the modern independent grind.
“Boasy Flex” isn’t just a track; it’s a statement of intent. In a landscape often cluttered with disposable viral moments, IM’PERETIV and Asun Eastwood return to the roots of the culture: bars that matter and beats that snap your neck. The production is warm and cinematic, a distinct throwback that feels fresh because it refuses to chase trends. It’s the kind of music that reminds you why you fell in love with hip-hop in the first place—the dusty loops, the pocket, the undeniable presence of a rapper who knows exactly who he is.
There is a delicate balance at play here, exploring the tension between the necessary braggadocio of hip-hop and the quiet introspection of maturity. Asun Eastwood delivers his rhymes with the weight of experience. When he speaks, it’s not just about what he has; it’s about what he’s built and who he had to become to build it. This duality—being “boasy” (flashy/confident) while staying grounded—is where the track finds its heart. It argues that true confidence isn’t loud; it’s solid.
The track arrives at a critical time for independent artists. Submitted for the 2026 JUNOs for Rap Single of the Year, “Boasy Flex” stands as a testament to the hustle required to break through without the massive machinery of a major label. With support from legends like Kardinal Offishall and Shad, and spins on Hot 97 with Peter Rosenberg, the song proves that quality still cuts through the noise. It highlights the grind of the indie sector, where every spin and every co-sign is earned, not bought.
Ultimately, this record is about legacy. It’s about looking at the path you’ve walked, acknowledging the scars, and wearing your success like armor. IM’PERETIV provides the canvas, and Eastwood paints the picture of a man who has survived the chaos to find his footing. It’s a reminder to the listener that validation doesn’t come from an award show or a playlist placement—though those are nice—it comes from knowing your craft is undeniable.
Ou bat tanbou epi ou danse ankò.
