Music
Russ Resurrects BET’s ‘Rap City’ In His ‘Who Wants What’ Video With Ab-Soul
Even Big Tigger makes an appearance to react to some of the harder-hitting punchlines. …
For a certain generation of hip-hop heads, BET’s Rap City (and later, Rap City: Tha Basement) were staples in their diet of new rap videos. New Jersey rapper Russ, who is promoting a star-studded new EP titled Chomp, resurrects the nostalgic Basement Booth set — complete with a cameo from Big Tigger(!) — for his first video from the EP, “Who Wants What” featuring Ab-Soul.
Russ provides a nostalgic, crate-digging beat reminiscent of the early ’90s New York hip-hop heyday as he and Ab-Soul roam the booth with a classic set-up from Big Tigger. During his verse, Russ throws a subtle salute to Cam’ron, whose money-counting antics during his 2001 freestyle became a fan-favorite and a lasting image in the minds of hip-hop fans who continue to share grainy videos of it on social media to this day.
Ab-Soul does what he came to do as well, spitting a ferocious flurry of punchlines that will leave permanent fingerprints on rewind buttons everywhere (I know how dated that reference is but, in this case, it works). The video is also cleverly mixed so that the track continues to play even as we get to listen in to Tigger’s reactions to some of the juicier lines.
Russ teased Chomp via Instagram yesterday, sharing a tracklist that includes Benny The Butcher, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier, and Kxng Crooked. No release date was shared but such a tape could go a long way toward revamping — or at least justifying — Russ’ holier-than-thou image.
Watch the “Who Wants What” video above.
Artist Spotlight
Firecamino maintains folk storytelling with new release “Juan The Baptist”
“Juan the Baptist” is a stunning single by Firecamino, blending vivid storytelling with charming melody. The laid-back indie song with folk and country influences sounds like an ancient story told around a campfire after a long night.
The song’s central character is a misguided hero, vulnerable and human. Firecamino emphasizes imperfection over perfection, creating a relatable protagonist. That storytelling gives the song a cinematic, intimate feel.
“Juan the Baptist” handles several musical influences well. Folk-inspired writing and country textures add emotion and familiarity. Meanwhile, the cool indie vibe smooths the edges and lets the track flow naturally without being dramatic.
Artist Spotlight
Lisa Jo finds freedom in chaos, breaking the loop on new release “Runnin in Circles”
Lisa Jo’s latest single, “Runnin in Circles,” is a captivating look at spiritual surrender and emotional exhaustion. The song’s painful cycle of self-destruction and setbacks makes it personal but universally relatable. The song is for anyone who’s been stuck in their own patterns, trying to break free from repeating mistakes.
“Runnin in Circles” captures the emotional exhaustion of repeated rock bottoms. Lisa Jo vividly depicts inner conflict and self-sabotage becoming all too familiar and devastating. The song embraces the emotional wreckage of “burning your own house down,” which is raw and honest.
Evolution makes this record strong. “Runnin in Circles” slowly moves toward surrender and release instead of staying in the dark. Lisa Jo explores that difficult yet transformative moment when control passes to something greater. The spiritual element gives the song depth and resonates beyond heartbreak and frustration. The song’s messiness is lovely. Healing isn’t polished here. Lisa Jo accepts the hard truth of growth, the confusion, the setbacks, and the painful realization that change often happens after the emotional bottom falls out.
Connect with Lisa Jo on Spotify || Soundcloud
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