The next generation of hip-hop royalty has officially stepped into the spotlight, and they aren’t waiting for permission. 

The immediate internet frenzy surrounding the June 5th release of “MULA THA ROOT OF ALL EVIL” signals a historic passing of the torch. 

The collaborative single teams up 13-year-old creative powerhouse North West and 16-year-old rising star Lil Novi (Neal Carter), effectively uniting the iconic musical houses of Yeezy and Young Money.

Maybe it is time for the  2000s rap giants to step aside because the kids are officially running the playground.

Inside the Track: Industrial Beats & “Mula” Chasing

“MULA THA ROOT OF ALL EVIL” is a brief, high-octane track that leans heavily into a distorted, industrial alternative rap aesthetic. It perfectly mirrors the current underground “rage” and “vamp” sub-genres dominating youth culture.

Through this track, North West continues to prove her prowess. She not only laid down bars, but also actively co-produced the hard-hitting, bass-heavy beat alongside producer VRTN.

Lyrically, the track relies on high-energy, unapologetic flexes about luxury and success. Lil Novi delivers a clever, standout spin on the track’s central theme, playing on the adage to declare, “If they say money is the root of all evil, then I’m a demon.”

North matches that energy with her own confident, fast-paced bars, rapping, “Had to wear a mask ’cause the bank account too nasty… Got this green in my pocket like wasabi.”

From TikTok to the Studio: How the Collab Happened

While the pairing of a West and a Carter sounds like a mastermind boardroom marketing scheme, the collaboration actually grew from a genuine digital friendship.

The creative chemistry sparked on TikTok earlier this year when North featured a song by one of Novi’s friends on her page. The link-up quickly evolved into real studio time. 

Back in January, North stepped into the producer’s chair to cook up the minimalist, 808-heavy instrumental for Novi’s underground track “Justswagup.”

The natural synergy from that experiment paved the way for them to officially team up for this major release under Young Money Entertainment. It stands as a refreshing moment of creative energy rather than forced industry competition.

Both Artists Are Having a Massive Year

Neither artist is relying solely on their famous last names. Both have been working at a relentless pace.

North West’s Momentum

North has been steadily building momentum following the highly anticipated drop of her debut EP, N0rth4evr. Backed by parents Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, she has been aggressively establishing her own footprint in both music and custom grills in the new single’s music video.

Lil Novi’s Rising Star

The son of Lil Wayne and R&B singer Nivea has been incredibly prolific, dropping a steady stream of underground EPs and project tracks. He even earned a major stamp of approval by appearing on his father’s highly anticipated album, Tha Carter VI, on the track “Mula Komin In.”

The Future is Already Here

Ultimately, “MULA THA ROOT OF ALL EVIL” is more than just a viral moment or a casual family crossover. While the internet is predictably split with some critics debating about  “nepo baby” culture and others celebrating the hustle, the numbers speak for themselves. 

The music video racked up nearly 100,000 views within days of dropping, leaving fans feeling ancient but undeniably excited.

Both North West and Lil Novi are drawing blueprints for their own musical identities, carving out distinct spaces well outside the massive shadows of their parents. The next era of hip-hop has arrived, and it’s loud, experimental, and entirely self-made.

A Merged Insight Exclusive.