Norfsyde Slee joined Charlie Machine and Bellez for a recent episode of CWTF Radio, offering a detailed look into his career journey, personal trials, and perspective on the evolving Boston hip-hop landscape. The episode also included music reviews and commentary through the show’s “Red Cups and Ratings” segment.
The Mattapan-raised rapper discussed his early start in music with the group 3SG — alongside Dollars, Gutter, and Street — and how he began taking his career seriously around 2015. He acknowledged mistakes made in earlier years, particularly releasing music without a marketing strategy. That experience shaped his approach to later projects, including Nights on Harley, which host Charlie Machine praised for showcasing SL’s personality.
Norfsyde Slee addressed the response to his track “I’m From Boston,” which drew attention both for its direct tone and its function as a marketing tool. He clarified that the track was intended to spark conversation and create a city-wide anthem, rather than divide. This theme of intention carried through to his relaunch of the Rain Sleep Snow EP — retitled Rain Sleep Snow Reloaded — which had previously been released on DatPiff before being removed.
The rapper opened up about stepping away from music for nearly a year to care for his mother, who was in hospice. After her passing, he returned with renewed purpose, pointing to “17 Elizabeth Street” — a track named after their home address — as a meaningful part of the new EP. He spoke about how she supported his music, watching his videos regularly, and how her belief in him continues to fuel his work.
Norfsyde Slee is currently preparing a new 6- to 7-song project, expected before summer. One of the confirmed singles is “Hunger Games,” a collaboration with Smoke and DQ Jones. He also discussed working closely with Smoke, who has ties to Maybach Music, and how that relationship has helped him navigate music industry connections through their collective, DG.
In conversation with the hosts, Norfsyde Slee described how his approach to songwriting avoids drill music clichés in favor of personal storytelling. “Still Here,” created with Bo Cash in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, reflects his preference for authenticity over sensationalism. He noted that police have even recognized him from his videos, further affirming his cautious but honest approach to lyrical content.
The episode also highlighted Norfsyde Slee’s physical and emotional recovery after surviving a shooting that left him unable to walk for over a year. He spent 13 months with a colostomy bag and reflected on the toll of losing many friends between the ages of 13 and 21. He spoke candidly about a recent OUI charge and the importance of making health a priority — a message he directed at both peers and younger artists.
Norfsyde Slee credited his late friend Rock Ducatti, Smoke, and Lee Boy for encouraging him to “utilize your sources” and stay grounded. He emphasized the importance of listening to experienced artists and expressed concern over violence among younger creatives in Boston. He encouraged newer artists to focus on their craft, avoid explicit self-incrimination in their music, and prioritize longevity.
He also touched on city dynamics, including friction with Benzino (connected to Benzino’s fallout with Smoke) and a competitive relationship with Last Days. Norfsyde Slee was clear that these disagreements remain within music, not the streets.
Red Cups and Ratings: Trill Manny & Luke Yetin Reviewed
In the show’s recurring music review segment, the hosts rated two recent projects:
- Trill Manny’s Deception Over Perception (6 tracks, 17 minutes) earned a 3.6/5. The hosts acknowledged the young artist’s potential, noting influences from Chris Brown and R&B, and highlighted tracks like “My Girl” (featuring Capella Grey) and “Dance Your Dance.”
Luke Yetten’s Cool Hand Luke (7 tracks, 20 minutes) received a 3.9/5. Despite initial hesitation, Charlie praised the project after meeting the artist. Tracks like “True Grit” (with Fuego Base) and “Serenity” (featuring Exit Fame) stood out.
