Brooklyn artist Niontay Hicks, also known as Niontay or Sexafterchurch, is a versatile Brooklyn rapper whose sound draws from Milwaukee roots, Florida summers, and New York grit. He’s not only quietly sculpting his sound, but his laid-back, mellow demeanor would lead one to believe that he has deep-rooted Southern ties. Especially, if you watched and listened to his song "Da City of a Hunnid Plays", which begins with a mother figure picking up a white telephone sitting on top of a book titled "Da City of a Hunnid Plays", and praying to her heavenly father. Indeed, she gives thanks, and she believes that when she prays, she receives whatever she asks for, thinking that it's done in Jesus' name, and ending with an Amen. Nonetheless, it could've been creative director Yacine Ndiaye's camera shots, frame angles, and Carter Green's edits/effects negative space, or drone pilot Elliot Dunnwald's resolution that gives a 1960s aesthetic of Niontay chillin in the backseat, driving, or sitting on top of a clean ass old school Mercedes Benz. Coupled with the soulful Houston, Texas chopped and screwed beat on loop to go along with his free and easy flow.

As a matter of fact, Niontay was born in Milwaukee, moved to Central Florida as a kid, and now lives in Brooklyn. His music is a seamless fusion of Midwest grit, southern cadence, and East Coast lyricism-effortless yet deeply intentional. Namely, he gives me the vibe whenever I walk around Metropolitan Ave, or Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and chill and smoke weed in front of this bar called the Charleston, similarly to other homies that you may catch smoking or getting some fresh air. Additionally, the rapper's calmness has set the tone for building his fan base and capturing the ears and attention of fans across the country, as well as his peers in the music industry, such as Earl Sweatshirt and fellow 10K labelmate Mike.

Furthermore, the video "Top da top," from his latest album Fada<3of$, is one of my favorite rap songs of the year, moreover, because of his effortless flow and punchlines over a handful of soulful beats. Released on April 25, 2025, Fada<3of$ is his debut studio album, built from grief and gratitude. The title reflects personal loss (2009, the year his father passed away), which has been transformed into a celebration of legacy and life. Niontay self-produced most of the record, with contributions from MIKE (also known as DJ Blackpower) and Tony Seltzer. They are undoubtedly one of his many strengths. His diverse lyrics are what set him apart from other artists in today's music scene. Could it be because of his mumblstyle, which sometimes calls for subtitles at the bottom that would give his videos a Chef's kiss to a delicious dish to playback one of his lines, such as, "Lil dog can't read, but come artillery he educated" alternatively, his distinctive sound seamlessly fits into any local DJ's playlist or streetwear shops, such as Huf, True, or Undefeated, on Haight Street or anywhere else here in the City.

Not to mention, his eccentric ability to restyle his tune with a Florida style, or the Papa John Kodak Black "Ambition" Jazz Remix. Uniquely, no matter how much your mind may overthink, to pinpoint his region or tonality. Admittedly, we can't ignore his hankering to be great. Not only that, but also because his work is something special, and his love for making music will eventually earn him the recognition he deserves, one fan points out. Foremost, because of his calm confidence in popping his shit beside his homie on "Thank Allah", two of his hardest verses, "get a bag or go home, it's the playoffs . Secondly, "quit complaining to the officials and play ball". Contrary to that, "Thank Allah" required no drums, barely a hook, no gimmicks, just straight bars. His breakout came via the mixtape "Dontay's Inferno" (2023), released on MIKE's 10k label, showcasing his ability to balance punchlines, reflective wit, and unpredictable flow over minimalist beats.

Last but not least, just a Ring doorbell camera and Niontay sliding on the beat as always. Niontay isn't here to repeat the rulebook. He's reshaping it-mixing regions, tempos, production styles, and emotional tones into something fresh. From Milwaukee to Florida to Brooklyn, he's refined a perspective without losing pace—an artist in real time, building his legacy one textured track at a time.