Rising voice Leafy Not New is gearing up to release “It’s Not A Myth Deluxe” this October, and the streets are already buzzing. Known for coining the term “Gospel for the Trenches,” Leafy delivers music rooted in pain, survival, and lived truth. We sat down with him to talk about the new project, his independent grind, and what keeps his pen sharp.

MaxedHipHop Staff: You’ve created your own lane with this sound you call “Gospel for the Trenches.” What’s behind that idea?

Leafy Not New: It’s about keeping it real. I’m not chasing trends. My music comes from experience—survival, pain, and what people in the trenches really go through. It’s gospel for us.

MaxedHipHop Staff: Your very first track, “50 Bricks,” never even dropped, but it still left a mark. What happened there?

Leafy Not New: Yeah, that track never hit streaming, but it touched people in a big way. I had an ex-con tell me it brought him to tears. That showed me impact don’t need internet numbers—it’s about connection.

MaxedHipHop Staff: You’ve said you’ve been moved by other artists in the same way.

Leafy Not New: For sure. I cried listening to Boosie because I could relate to what he was saying. And when I watched Jeezy on Tiny Desk, I damn near cried again. That’s the energy I want in my music—raw emotion people can feel.

MaxedHipHop Staff: You’ve been independent with HTG4L. What’s that journey like?

Leafy Not New: It means everything to me. My supporters go hard. They’re not just fans—they invest in me. Some even put $100 into a project just to keep the movement alive. That’s real love, and it keeps me going.

MaxedHipHop Staff: Let’s talk about “It’s Not A Myth Deluxe.” What can listeners expect this October?

Leafy Not New: It’s gonna be more polished but still raw. Same energy, same message, just expanded. Professor X is handling production again, so you know the sound is gritty but sharp. I’m giving the people something they can ride to and feel.

MaxedHipHop Staff: Fans are waiting on visuals. Any updates there?

Leafy Not New: We had some setbacks—I lost a whole batch of footage in Chicago. But visuals are still coming, and when they hit, they’ll be worth the wait.

MaxedHipHop Staff: Looking forward, where do you see yourself?

Leafy Not New: I see myself on New York stages, performing with legends like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. I want to be rich, yeah, but more than that—I want respect, legacy, and for my voice to last.

“It’s Not A Myth Deluxe” drops October 2025. Stay tuned!

Check out his latest music and follow him on Instagram: @leafynotnew