End the Year Listening to Rising Indigenous Artist Mato Wayuhi

Growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Oglala Lakota artist Mato Wayuhi—both an actor in and composer for the series Reservation Dogs—became enamored with rap music. “These artists spoke to me more than my own Lakota music did,” says Wayuhi, naming the likes of André 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Tyler, the Creator.

As he began rapping and producing himself, however, he seized on the chance to bring both worlds together. “I immediately understood how it could be a vehicle to represent my own community in a way that exceeds others’ expectations of Native sound,” says Wayuhi. Consider his latest album, Bygoner, released in November, which melds rap, R&B, and pop with references to his own experiences and identity.

Mato Wayuhi

Photo: Courtesy of Mato Wayuhi

Featuring some of Wayuhi’s most personal and introspective songs to date, Bygoner centers on themes of self-reflection and vulnerability—often in the face of love or lust. “Bygoner was inspired by my side-ho era,” Wayuhi, who is Two-Spirit, says frankly. “I was falling for folks who were emotionally unavailable, so I had to reckon with what that says about me. I also wanted to strengthen my songwriting and bass–playing skills. Much of what you hear is tailored to those exercises.”

On the title track, for instance, Wayuhi bids a catchy farewell to an ex-flame. “Your forgiveness ain’t my business anymore,” he sings. “Don’t have a clue what I’m doing, but at least I’m doing me.” On “The Sunroof Song,” he croons about struggling to move on from someone. “Ain’t it something when you move on, and you just want what you don’t need anymore,” he sings.

Through it all, Wayuhi also weaves in elements from his Native culture, especially humor. “Girl, you’re Native—what are you doing sitting on your ass,” goes his track “Suckerz,” featuring Awu. “Do you not know that you can get into any national park for free?”