“OXYY” didn’t begin as a traditional song idea — it started as a sample flip.
For LOCALHEN, the foundation came from reworking “Don’t Be So Nice” into an early demo titled FOREVER. What initially pulled him in were the dark synth textures and the raw sampling approach. That experimental spark eventually evolved into something deeper: a fully realized collaboration with MattOx that blends psychedelic trap, eerie piano layers, and a sense of emotional nostalgia rooted in SoundCloud’s golden era.
The title itself, “OXYY,” is a direct nod to MattOx’s presence on the record. From the moment LOCALHEN heard the demo taking shape, he knew MattOx would be the perfect addition — not just stylistically, but creatively. The track feels like a meeting point between two young artists navigating ambition, identity, and sound at the same time.
A Dark, Dreamlike Mood with Vintage Energy
Sonically, “OXYY” lives in shadow.
LOCALHEN describes it as a dark psychedelic trap flip, driven by haunting piano melodies and layered synths that give the track an eerie yet nostalgic atmosphere. The goal wasn’t just to make something hard-hitting — it was to capture mystery. There’s a deliberate dreamlike quality throughout, created by pitching down EDM-style vocals and sampling piano inspired by classic Kubrick films.
Emotionally, the record leans into that tension between past and present. It channels the spirit of early SoundCloud trap while reshaping it through a more experimental lens. MattOx’s verse adds weight and credibility, reinforcing the throwback energy while helping push the sound forward.
Artistically, “OXYY” represents a freer phase for LOCALHEN — a space where he’s stepping beyond DJ flips and mixes to carve out something uniquely his own.
A Pennsylvania Connection Turned Creative Chemistry
The collaboration came together naturally.
MattOx hails from Philadelphia, while LOCALHEN is based in Pittsburgh — two cities connected by Pennsylvania culture and underground influence. Beyond geography, both artists were only 20 years old at the time, sharing the same hunger to break into the scene.
LOCALHEN had long respected MattOx’s earlier work and saw him as someone who could bring a new dimension to the dark nostalgic trap sound he was building. That instinct proved right. MattOx delivered a verse that grounded the record while amplifying its emotional depth.
The creative process itself was smooth and professional. Communication stayed consistent, and the mutual respect made the collaboration feel effortless — two young artists aligned in ambition, vision, and work ethic.
Production Rooted in Legacy and Innovation
Production duties were handled by Big Jerm, whose reputation extends well beyond Pittsburgh. Known for working with Mac Miller on tracks like Royal Flush, Big Jerm brought a city-rooted perspective that fit perfectly with LOCALHEN’s vision.
His approach emphasized tight reverse kicks and layered piano arrangements, creating a beat that encouraged more experimental vocal ranges and loose cadences. Rather than boxing the artists in, the production opened space — allowing both LOCALHEN and MattOx to explore rhythm and melody in unconventional ways.
The result feels intentional but unrestrained, blending underground grit with cinematic atmosphere.
Visual Storytelling Through Multiple Covers
Instead of settling for a single visual identity, LOCALHEN released three different cover versions for “OXYY.”
The decision was inspired by Andy Warhol’s pop-art philosophy — using color and repetition as creative tools. One standout cover comes from Fever Arts, an independent visual artist who has also worked with Gunna and Metro Boomin. LOCALHEN describes Fever Arts as a true creative hustler, someone whose grind mirrors his own.
The remaining covers lean into surrealism, drawing inspiration from Salvador Dalí. These visuals aim to reflect different emotional layers of the song — from haunting piano sections to dreamlike vocal passages. Each cover captures a separate mood, reinforcing the idea that “OXYY” isn’t one-dimensional.
Personally, LOCALHEN feels the black-and-green version best represents the track, referencing the aesthetic of MattOx’s early OX mixtape and paying homage to his roots.
For both artists, visuals are just as important as sound. They see music as a complete body of work — where imagery, emotion, and audio all intersect.
Channeling Nostalgia While Moving Forward
At its core, “OXYY” is about memory.
LOCALHEN hopes listeners feel transported back to the 2018–2022 SoundCloud era — when artists like MattOx were first breaking through and underground trap felt raw, exciting, and limitless. Compared to his previous releases, this track stands out as a more fully realized creative statement.
Looking ahead, LOCALHEN sees “OXYY” as the beginning of a new chapter. The experience working with MattOx and Fever Arts has sparked fresh motivation, pushing him toward deeper collaborations across trap, underground, and even genres outside EDM.
He’s already preparing his next release, Bipolar, slated for later this month, and remains focused on connecting with artists his age who share the same passion for music and visual storytelling.
As for future collaborations with MattOx — both artists seem aligned.
Whether visually or sonically, they continue to move on the same wavelength.
And if “OXYY” is any indication, their shared ambition is only just getting started.
