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Hboydaman Enters 2026 Fully Aware With “Watching Me,” Turning Observation Into Power Under Star Squad Records

Hboydaman isn’t easing into 2026. He’s stepping forward with clarity, confidence, and a quiet understanding that the spotlight isn’t coming — it’s already here. On January 9, 2026, the independent artist released “Watching Me,” a polished, intentional single that also doubles as the official launch of his new imprint, Star Squad Records. From its tone to its timing, the record feels less like a routine drop and more like a declaration — one that signals growth, ownership, and a sharpened sense of direction.

By Variety PressPublished 3 days ago 3 min read

Rather than chasing trends or relying on spectacle, “Watching Me” thrives on awareness. It captures the tension that comes with being seen — not just celebrated, but studied. Watched by fans, critics, peers, and an industry that rarely looks away. Hboydaman doesn’t resist that pressure. He embraces it, framing visibility not as a burden, but as leverage.

The record brings together a lineup that adds depth without overshadowing the message. Fetty Wap appears following his widely discussed return to music, delivering a verse that feels reflective and grounded. There’s no reliance on nostalgia here — instead, his presence carries lived experience, reinforcing the track’s themes of endurance and resilience. Skinnyfromthe9 injects sharp East Coast energy, tightening the record with urgency and realism. Each contribution feels purposeful, aligned by a shared understanding of what it means to move under constant scrutiny.

At the center of it all, Hboydaman delivers with restraint and confidence. His performance doesn’t rush for attention — it commands it. There’s a sense of patience in his delivery, the kind that suggests long-term thinking rather than short-term gain. He sounds like an artist who understands that being watched isn’t about proving yourself every moment — it’s about choosing the right ones.

The production plays a critical role in shaping that atmosphere. London On Da Track handles the sonic framework with precision, crafting a beat that feels cinematic without excess. Known for shaping some of modern hip-hop and R&B’s most influential records, London avoids overproduction, allowing space for each voice to land with impact. The sound carries a darker, observant undertone — polished, but never glossy — reinforcing the idea that this record is about clarity, not spectacle.

Fetty Wap’s appearance adds cultural weight in a way that feels earned. His return to music has been closely watched, and his verse on “Watching Me” reads as a moment of alignment rather than hype. It reflects perspective gained through experience — reinforcing the idea that visibility comes with consequences, lessons, and growth. Skinnyfromthe9 complements that energy with a sharper edge, grounding the track in present-day realism and reinforcing the pressure that runs throughout the song.

What elevates “Watching Me” beyond a standout single is what it represents strategically. Launching Star Squad Records alongside a collaboration of this caliber speaks volumes. In an industry where many artists prioritize exposure over structure, Hboydaman is doing the opposite — building infrastructure while the attention is already there. Ownership, creative control, and sustainability are clearly part of the plan, and this release serves as a foundation rather than a finish line.

The timing matters. Early 2026 feels intentional — a reset, a reintroduction, and a repositioning. “Watching Me” doesn’t attempt to dominate the conversation loudly; it earns attention through composure and quality. Since its release, the track has steadily circulated across platforms, drawing in listeners who recognize when a record carries intention beyond numbers. The response has been less about shock value and more about recognition — recognition that something is being built.

Star Squad Records enters the independent space not as a loud disruptor, but as a focused presence. The label’s debut doesn’t rely on overstatement; it relies on execution. Strategic collaborations, high-level production, and a clear artistic identity suggest a long-term vision rooted in growth rather than momentary buzz.

In a landscape increasingly shaped by fast cycles and fleeting trends, Hboydaman’s approach feels deliberate. “Watching Me” positions him not only as an artist capable of standing alongside established names, but as a founder with a clear understanding of timing, leverage, and direction. The record doesn’t ask for attention — it acknowledges that it already has it.

As 2026 unfolds, “Watching Me” stands as an opening chapter. A reminder that being watched doesn’t have to mean being exposed — it can mean being prepared. And Hboydaman sounds exactly that.

The eyes are on him.

And this time, he’s moving with intention.

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