H31R (pronounced heir/air) is an experimental hip-hop duo consisting of producer JWords from New Jersey and vocalist maassai from Brooklyn. The combination of these two artists’ styles creates a cohesive sonic experience, inspired by futuristic rap, cold electronics, syncopated rhythms, echoes of Detroit techno, and psychedelic soul. JWords’ fresh beats are brilliantly highlighted by maassai’s flexible voice, making their music far removed from mainstream comparisons. 

Since their first meeting at a showcase in 2017, the artists immediately decided to collaborate. They started with individual tracks like My Name Jack?, which appeared on maassai’s debut EP C0n$truct!0n. 

Their debut album ve·loc·i·ty from 2020 brought them significant fame, with its enigmatic sound being recognized by Ninja Tune and noted by platforms such as Pitchfork, The Wire, Brooklyn Vegan, Okayplayer, and Cabbages, which hailed the production as “a marvel of momentum.” 

Their latest album HeadSpace from November 2023 has further amplified the artists’ reputation, strengthening their position on the international scene.

“This album is about growth and coming into our late 20s—figuring out who we want to be and how to navigate our lives. Understanding ourselves in relationship to others; that’s what coming into adulthood is. At the end of the day, how do I actually want to be in this world?,” the artists say about their latest album.