The influence of hip hop on nu metal is even more relevant today than it was during the genre’s first wave. With trap, cloud rap, and the more aggressive stylings à la Denzel Curry seeping into its DNA, our scene evolves like it always does. Gone are the days when vocalists drew exclusively from Anthony Kiedis, Mike Patton, late 80’s/early 90’s hardcore rap or even horrorcore. And yet, some of those early tastemakers left such a mark that their echoes can still be heard in today’s most promising acts.
Few figures loom as large in nu metal’s cultural memory as Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst—A24 movie star, Neon Genesis Evangelion enthusiast, and, as I was recently shocked to learn (courtesy of the Mandela Effect), a man who may never have actually worn a red cap at Woodstock ’99. But if you’re wondering why Durst began adopting a near Wes Borland-level of theatricality on stage circa 2021, it’s because he had symbolically passed his signature red cap to Jackson Foster, frontman of Silly Goose.
Dubbed “Fred Durst Jr.” by his own YouTube comment section, Foster and his flock made waves in 2024 with the release of their Bad Behavior EP. With lyrics like “You say I’ve got an ego problem and I’m rude? Well fuck you, cause I like my attitude” firmly cement Foster’s position on the nu metal spectrum: the “don’t give a fuck quadrant”. His flow and delivery don’t just channel the bravado of albums like Introduction To Mayhem and ¿Pimp¿–they outshine them. Beyond attitude, Foster is rounding out his arsenal by incorporating more screams and cleans on Silly Goose’s latest project. So, if you’re an old school fan looking to see red again, the Goose has you covered.
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With references to the American professional wrestling scene, a ticket to bounce riff nirvana and a cover of “Break Stuff” under their belt, Klokwise has proven they’re more than capable of picking up where Durst and company left off. Vocalist Jesse Turnbull even sounds a little like one of those Insane Clown Posse guys, but let’s not make that his defining feature. Check out Klok In or risk getting Klokked Out.
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