By Mr. Benjamins
Chief Curator, This Is Hip Hop HQ
They say that the only way to become immortal is to do something worth writing about. But in the rap game, everyone thinks they’re a legend before they’ve even finished their first pack of Backwoods. Then you have Frankie Tunez, a man who doesn’t just claim the title—he constructs a gateway to it.
I just finished spinning “Immortal,” the intro to his 2025 masterpiece The Portal, and let me tell you: if this is the entrance fee, I’m staying in the building until they kick me out. This isn’t just a song; it’s an invitation to leave the mundane world behind and step into a reality where the bars are heavy and the spirit is eternal.
The Entrance to The Portal
Every great album needs a thesis statement, and “Immortal” is a doctoral dissertation in grit. The track hits with a chant-like hook that feels less like a chorus and more like an incantation. It’s a hypnotic summons, pulling the listener toward “The Portal” with the gravitational force of a black hole—only much more rhythmic and significantly more stylish.
Frankie’s delivery is a rare breed. He manages to sound completely relaxed while simultaneously vibrating with emotional energy. It’s a paradox—like a tiger that’s purring but still looks like it could take your arm off. There’s a synergy here between his voice and the instrumental that feels like they were born in the same room.
The Ghost of Jadakiss and the Future of the Craft
While listening, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the vibe of Jadakiss’s “Gov’t Cheese” featuring Dej Loaf. It has that same sophisticated street-soul, that “I’ve seen too much to lie to you” authenticity. You can hear echoes of Young Yay in the style, but Frankie Tunez isn’t a carbon copy. He’s taking those blueprints and building a skyscraper.
The structure is refreshingly honest: chorus-verse-chorus. No fluff, no sixteen-minute outros of a guy talking about his jewelry. It’s a professional, polished delivery that proves you don’t need to overcomplicate things when your pen game is this sharp.
A Philosophical Dive into the Eternal
Plato argued that the soul is immortal because it holds truth. In the context of The Portal, Frankie seems to be saying that his art is his soul. By inviting us into his world, he’s ensuring that his perspective survives the “The Illusion of Time” (the title of his other 2025 banger, by the way).
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” — Twyla Tharp (and basically Frankie Tunez’s entire vibe).
Frankie isn’t just an artist; he’s a builder. Between The Illusion of Time and The Portal, he’s spent 2025 constructing an entire musical ecosystem. And based on “Immortal,” the foundation is made of reinforced concrete and pure passion.
The Verdict: A Solid 10/10
I’m calling it now: Frankie Tunez is on a trajectory that most rappers only see in their dreams. “Immortal” is a 10. It’s authentic, it’s professional, and it’s addictive. If you aren’t ready to enter The Portal, you’re basically admitting you’re fine with being average. And at This Is Hip Hop HQ, average is the only sin we don’t forgive.
Stay tuned. Frankie is just getting started, and the gates are wide open.
Mr. Benjamins’ Closing Thought: If you enter the portal and don’t come back changed, you probably left your brain at the door. Check your pockets.
