This edition of Hip Hop Bops enters darker territory, blending cinematic flair with alternative hip hop energy and a taste for the surreal. Today’s pick is theatrical, eerie and strikingly original.

JESUS THE APOLLO – THE MOON MAN!

Jesus The Apollo delivers a bold, atmospheric hip hop piece that mixes esoteric imagery, cinematic tension and a magnetic performance presence.

THE MOON MAN! arrives as a haunting and imaginative release from London born, Manchester based artist Jesus The Apollo. Written and produced during the Halloween period of 2023, the track carries a cinematic chill that instantly sets the tone for its world. It fuses alternative hip hop with spoken word cadence, electronic edges and a sense of ritualistic drama, creating a soundscape that is both nostalgic and otherworldly.

The track draws from Apollo related esoteric texts and 80s pop sensibilities, blending ancient symbolism with modern flair. This gives THE MOON MAN! a distinctive identity, where ascending melodies and hypnotic rhythms meet inventive lyrical imagery. The result is a piece that feels theatrical yet grounded, dark yet strangely inviting.

Jesus The Apollo’s background in theatre and sound scoring shines throughout. Influenced by horror and thriller films, particularly Hitchcock’s Psycho, he brings a sharp cinematic edge to his music. His alter egos, including STEve, IVY, The Villain and The Moon Man, further shape the atmosphere, adding layers of character to his sonic universe.

THE MOON MAN! stands out as a mesmerising and unconventional hip hop release, full of mood, mystery and artistic ambition.