Rising independent artist Mason Paris is back with his latest project, Fragile, a record that bridges nostalgia with a fresh new direction. Speaking with HipHop87, Paris broke down the inspirations behind the album, his shift in production style, and what the project means for the future of his collective, NeverDead.
On the inspiration behind Fragile
“The album was inspired by old 2016 beats,” Paris explains. “I wanted to bring that nostalgic feeling but also keep it new.” That balance between throwback and forward-thinking is what drives the record, giving longtime fans a sense of familiarity while introducing new textures to his sound.
Musical influences
Paris cites a wide range of artists that shaped Fragile: “I think many artists inspired this album, like Lil Tecca, Justin Bieber, and even Young Thug.” The mix reflects his willingness to blur genre lines, pulling influence from melodic rap, pop, and experimental flows.
Switching up the sound
Compared to his previous work, Paris says the production on Fragile marks a major shift. “The beats and production in this album are definitely a very newer and smoother sound compared to my other project. I honestly thought it was time to switch up my sound.”
He credits NeverDead’s in-house talent for helping him evolve creatively. “Benkap really did influence me, along with other NeverDead producers sowhat and okjoshua,” he says.
A standout track
When asked to pick a favorite, Paris doesn’t hesitate. “My favorite track is ALL THE STARS. I think it has that vibe that’s just like, oh yeah, this is fucking different — in a good way.”
The bigger picture
While Fragile marks a fresh sonic era, Paris views it as just the beginning. “This project is just the start of my career and NeverDead. We will always be evolving our sound and pushing a new sound every time.”
With Fragile, Mason Paris delivers a body of work that’s both a nod to the past and a bold step toward the future. And if this is only the start, the road ahead for Paris and NeverDead looks limitless.
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