Social media influencers transitioning to recording artists has become a common trend, as seen with the rise of artists such as Cardi B and Lil Nas X. The latest duo on the brink of making this transition are siblings Ocean X KungFu, formerly part of the group Hollywood Dollz with sister Staiibabii. The group gained recognition for its viral videos featuring fun pranks and social media stunts. As Ocean X KungFu, the siblings have embraced a new level of creative independence and continue to make music together.

“We got older and Hollywood Dollz was something we did as kids,” explained 19-year-old Ocean before her two years older sister KungFu chimed in. “It’s not a group, it’s just Ocean X KungFu.”

It made sense for their debut track as a duo titled “Get Active,” to earn over seven million YouTube views and place them as Atlanta’s next great duo. According to both of them, getting to this point wasn’t difficult at all.

“It’s just a learning process and once you learn it, it’s an ongoing thing,” said KungFu before Ocean added. “It’s all about timing and stuff like that.”

It doesn’t hurt that their famous uncle Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn a.k.a. Future gave them plenty of insight into how to maneuver within entertainment. From being in the studio with the “WAIT FOR U” rapper to hanging out at video shoots, Ocean X KungFu got some first-hand lessons outside of general advice.

“Future would constantly tell us to stay consistent as artists,” Ocean said. “That’s the biggest lesson we learned. I grew up listening to a lot of Future as a kid. Outside of the family connection, he’s my favorite.”

Beyond the family connection, Ocean X KungFu are Atlanta to the core considering their influences including T.I. and Gucci Mane. Makes a lot of sense though. Fans of the duo have appreciated tracks including “Savage,” “No Smoke,” and “Crop Top,” but last year saw a renewed interest in Ocean X KungFu following the release of “M.A.B.” Standing for Mad Ass Bitch, the playful wordplay is laid on top production that samples Crime Mob’s Atlanta classic “Knuck If You Buck.” For the two sisters, the song reminded them of their youth at the skating rink.

“When we were young we use to go to The Golden Glide and it would always come on,” said KungFu. “That was the song in the skating ring for all the teenagers. Everybody in there just weould turn up as soon as that song hit.”

The track would also be released under their deal with music executive Breyon Prescott known for his work with everyone from Jamie Foxxx to Kid Cudi under his Chameleon Entertainment label and Interscope. Ocean X KungFu would end 2022 with the seductive trunk-rattling sounds of “Gangsta” which features production from Hitmaka and OG Parker.

With their profile as high as ever (Ocean even mentioned receiving a text of approval from Lil Baby), expect a project soon from the duo in addition to features with rap veteran Trina and even Lil Uzi Vert. Though details are still under wraps, they mentioned the body of work giving all types of energy.

“It’s going to tie into me being a wave and KungFu being a vibe,” Ocean explained. “It’s going to show our personalities, it’s going to give bad bitch and it’s going to give the struggle.”

In an age that’s given hip-hop some of its free-est music from various solo and group acts that are female over the decade, Ocean X KungFu appreciates the hard-earned respect they’re receiving. They just hope it’ll get them to their overall goal of prosperity.

“I want to live a wealthy life,” said KungFu before Ocean interjected. “We want people to show love and support. We just want to be on top and to keep going.”