Isaiah Moore and Ric Wilson Bring the Funk on “Whip It / Flip It”

There’s an unmistakable sense of movement running through “Whip It / Flip It,” the new collaboration from Isaiah Moore, Chicago standout Ric Wilson and the production collective NOVAK Music. Refusing to stay neatly inside one genre box, the track pulls from hip-hop, R&B, funk and dance music, assembling those influences into something slick, rhythmic and immediately infectious.

At its core, the record is driven by a deep, propulsive groove. Crisp percussion and pulsing synths give the production plenty of forward momentum, while the low-end keeps everything grounded in the pocket. Over that foundation, Moore and Wilson bring contrasting but complementary vocal energies, moving between melodic hooks and sharp, fluid rap passages with an ease that gives the track its personality. Rather than feeling like a collection of separate influences, the different elements lock together naturally.

The release also represents an important step for NOVAK Music as it continues to establish its independent label model. Built around producers Tweak, Ned.Beats, Tracy Winckler and JxK, with Moore positioned as its marquee artist, the collective is clearly interested in developing a platform where hip-hop can intersect freely with other sounds and scenes.

“Whip It / Flip It” makes a strong case for that approach. There’s enough rhythmic muscle to satisfy a hip-hop crowd, enough melody to broaden its reach, and enough funk running through the production to keep the whole thing loose and lively. As summer begins to wind down, it arrives with exactly the kind of energy that belongs in the final stretch of the season, equally at home blasting from a car stereo at golden hour or carrying a late-night room into the early hours.