Photo of Merknes, courtesy artist

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After releasing his first single "Paradise Lost" last summer, Bronx newcomer Merknes has delivered his debut Interlude EP.

The newly released five-track set is both aggressive and fragile, as the young rapper spits biting, vehement verses over lush, celestial sounds and wispy vocals.

Outside of this new material, little is known about Merknes, but he's definitely bringing a fresh if not insurgent voice to hip-hop, with an authority that's impossible to deny and a vulnerability that's hard to ignore.

Anchored by tracks like "Paradise Lost," "Paris" and "Blue Marble"—some of which feature fellow Bronx MC Eagle—the Interlude EP is a must-hear. And we certainly hope this is just the beginning for Merknes.

Listen to Interlude below.