Washington Heights bred rap artist Bernard Lewis, AKA “Real Deal” Berns is bringing the art of authentic storytelling back into hip-hop. Departing from the modern “mumble rap” craze, Berns’ vocals are clear with classic New York tonality, backed by heavy southern bass. It’s the blend of old school via the 90s Ill Al Skratch movement mixed with Florida-esque drop beats that makes a Berns track feel old school and progressive simultaneously.

You can catch his debut track “Money On My Mind” on SoundCloud now.