R M R Drug Dealing Is a Lost Art
Photo Credit: Warner Records
The music video for RMR's debut single, "Rascal," went viral earlier this year, and in doing and so, flashed across my timeline, my inbox, and damn near every one of my group chats.
How could it not?
The video features a gun-toting RMR (pronounced "rumor") sporting a black ski mask and a Saint Laurent bulletproof vest, while crooning a reworked version of country group Rascal Flatts' "Bless The Cleaved Road" well-nigh drug dealing instead of beloved. Its ridiculousness is balanced only by its excellency.
The video for "RASCAL" was tailor-made to set the cyberspace on burn and it succeeded spectacularly. But the tides of the internet alter fast. Would RMR be able to pull off virality twice?
On April x, RMR dropped his 2nd single, "DEALER," which leaned further into rap/R&B hybrid territory. With information technology, RMR proved he could create a catchy and engaging song without gimmicks.
Soon after delivering "DEALER," RMR announced he'd signed to Warner Music Grouping. Today, he'southward releasingDrug Dealing Is A Lost Art, his debut EP. In usual 1-Listen fashion, the rules are the aforementioned: no rewinds, pauses, or skips—a straight shot through followed past my gut reactions. Let'due south get.
i. "WELFARE" feat. Westside Gunn
Is that Westside Gunn???? I didn't expect this team up simply it makes sense. The gun noises confronting the shimmering guitar and pianoforte are overwhelming but I'one thousand loving it. And here come the drums. RMR came out the gate at 65 MPH. He's recounting his come-upwardly from his "Grand omma stuck on welfare" to flexing diamonds. The Fly God walked and so RMR could wing. The product value is crazy for a debut EP. RMR is here to evidence he's got what it takes. A existent argument. I'm in.
two. "DEALER"
I wish he'd have saved the single for later on in the tracklist merely I get wanting to make a good impression. I once said this song sounds like Dropkick Murphys' "I'thou Shipping Up To Boston" as reimagined by Futurity and I stand up past information technology. The bounciness is undeniable. RMR's vocalization is gruff and gilded. The song runs are gorgeous. I demand to meet some credits because these tracks audio astounding. Immaculately mixed and immersive. "DEALER" is notwithstanding a wild ride.
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iii. "NOUVEAU RICHE"
A sole guitar lick with some reverb. Okay, where's this going? DAMN, the drums just kicked my chest in. "Spending like it abound on copse / Niggas out here coppin' pleas." His voice pushes every word straight into your heart. This is the definition of a vibe; the kind you'd catch while buzzed at a club with overpriced bottle service. "NOUVEAU RICHE" sounds like new coin.
4. "I'M Non OVER Yous"
Nosotros're moving from guitar to banjo. RMR isn't afraid to lean into country. Even with these bludgeoning drums, I had to make certain I didn't accidentally printing play on a new-historic period folk vocal. The lovelorn lyrics, the audio-visual instruments, the hook? This might likewise be Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Metro Boomin. "I'Grand Not OVER You" caught me off-guard, even past RMR's standards. All I tin can run into in my head is a concert venue full of kids in Supreme and Bape singing like the world's most dripped-out church choir. I'm into this.
5. "SILENCE"
Synths and echos to start. RMR lathered on the Auto-Melody and song layering. Is he singing almost a queen going out for a party? I'm non really following what's happening but it sounds nice. RMR is singing over music more than suited for Gregorian chants or 1 of The Weeknd'southward more ambitious songs. An interesting management just "SILENCE" didn't leave much of an impression.
6. "All-time FRIEND"
These watery textures are refreshing. Sounds like a cross between Babe Keem and Syd from The Internet's solo work. Wow, the R&B jumped out. I like this hook. RMR's phonation is unique. It's gruff but capable of blending in with simply about anything. Fair references striking dissimilar now. Shout out Virgil "l" Abloh. So... cocaine is his best friend? I want ameliorate for RMR. "All-time FRIEND" is so breezy and lush. It sounds like information technology was recorded on water, if such a thing were possible.
7. "DEALER" feat. Future & Lil Baby
Before, I wrote that the original version sounds similar a Future song, and nonetheless RMR isn't being overshadowed by his guest advent on the remix. A crazy merits to hold on to on your starting time project. Here comes Baby. "They throwin' dirt with no shovel." Is it too much to ask for a whole slew of "Dealer" remixes like Lil Nas X did with "Onetime Town Road?"
eight. "RASCAL"
Just imagine me having a iii-minute karaoke session. Fuck the boys in blue.
Final (First Listen) Thoughts On RMR's Drug Dealing Is A Lost Art
RMR has come to evidence himself on his debut offering. While the initial shock of "RASCAL" may have worn off, the creative person makes clear he'southward no one-hit wonder. Drug Dealing Is A Lost Artis an effective sample platter of all the ways RMR seems fit to tweak his trademark country/rap/R&B fusion.
"I'M Not OVER You lot" finds the throughline betwixt bluegrass, country, folk, R&B, and rap to disarming effect. This experiment plays out better than "SILENCE," which feels like an attempt to find the middle ground between blusterous R&B and madrigal choir arrangements, just doesn't completely gel. Thankfully, "SILENCE" is an outlier on an otherwise breezy and refreshing trip through RMR'south globe.
RMR hasn't yet done enough to distinguish himself from the pack lyrically, but his knack for experimentation should be commended. In a world where genre-blending has get 2nd nature, Drug Dealing Is A Lost Art is RMR's first pace toward etching out his niche. It's hard to say where this road will lead, but I'thou willing to stick around for the long haul.
Source: https://djbooth.net/features/2020-06-12-rmr-drug-dealing-is-a-lost-art-ep-review-new-music