St. Louis rapper Nando STL released his debut project Y.O.T.A or ‘Year of the Ape’ today via Nappy Boy Entertainment. The 10-track body of work, almost entirely produced by PDUB (Da Baby, Tory Lanez, John Legend, Kirk Franklin), features guest appearances by Nappy Boy label-head T-Pain, STL legend Nelly + more, and was mastered by Darwin at Chicago’s Classik Studios. Recently released singles “Weakdays”, “Loud” and the title track “Y.O.T.A” featuring T-Pain and Young Cash, are all found on the release. ‘Y.O.T.A’ is available everywhere now.

In time for mental health awareness month, the soul-felt project highlights themes of mental health. With lyrics like “Imma throw a smile on and crack jokes all the way home, and then I’ll tuck my kids in and go and cry alone…,” on tracks like “Weakdays,” Nando shares thought-filled, internal commentary on his struggle with depression while faking happiness as he navigates life’s challenges.

Alongside his new music, Nando has been on tour with T-Pain, supporting select dates across his nationwide run, with additional ongoing (unannounced) dates through mid-July.

With Y.O.T.A., Nando is cementing his spot among hip-hop’s new regime of newcomers.“This year I wanted to do something totally different than what I’ve ever done as an artist,” said NandoSTL. With his new label home and forthcoming body of work, Nando STL is poised to be a 2023 ‘Artist To Watch’.