Ryan Hemsworth has built a name for himself over the years. The Canadian record producer has remixed iconic tracks from Kanye, A$AP Rocky, and Outkast to name a few. Recently he released his project RYANPACKv.2, including remixes of tracks with quite a variety of artists, ranging from rap icon, Drake, to pop punk duo, Tiger's Jaw. Now this isn't entirely unexpected, as he has remixed tracks from artists such as The 1975, but it's a nice step away from everyone else whose been constantly remixing mainstream radio. Something about Hemsworth's production gives the end result a lasting appeal in today's constantly evolving music industry, yet it strays far enough from the path giving the remixed track an entirely new light. His remix of "All Things She Said" by t.A.T.u. seemingly revives the 2002 anthem (still not sure if this is a good thing or not, the reviving of this track that is), opening with a choppy intro, the original may not be entirely clear for some until around the one minute mark. By the time Julia Volkova and Lena Katina sing out at that mark, the track has already encapsulated the new sounds Hemsworth engineered. This expert craft is seen throughout this entire project, done in such a way that at times one may forget the original rhythm of the remixed track. It's nice to lay down and listen to a new take on some Blink-182 and Sum 41, and for that we can thank Ryan Hemsworth. Check out the project below.
Take A Seat: Couch Potato
It's old news that Spooky Black is now going by his real name, Corbin. The obscure Minnesota resident first released a track under this name last December, "Worn", which featured co-production from Shlohmo. To an extent the track suited what people expected, maintaining the overall eerie and hazy beats which was evident through Black's Leaving EP. This quickly led to anticipation of something greater, when 9 days ago Corbin teamed up with Bobby Raps to bring us Couch Potato. Still in awe, this album maintains what we heard in "Worn", but then pushes it a few steps further, quickly creating a staple for you music collection as well as becoming a potential threat to the "Sad Boy" collective.
Maybe threat is a poor choice of words, if anything Corbin and Bobby Raps become the next level USA counterpart to Yung Lean, which is most definitely a great thing.
The 6 track, masterfully crafted, album opens up with "Welcome To The Hell Zone" which is a great precursor to what's to come. Bobby Raps opens with frequent, yet subtle, pop culture references which quickly form into the story of a lone wolf. Ending his verse with a response to Corbin's question, "Are you scared of dying?", with an echoing "Death ain't shit but a new adventure." Corbin picks up with references to depression and suicide, as he fades away and sings "I could be Alone, why wait". The track has a deep underlying meaning and maintains the tone that anyone would expect from past records. "Frozen Tundra" picks up with with the relevant story of a cold world that only grows colder and the imperfections of love, which everyone can relate to on some extent. The theme and meaning of the record deepens further with "Torment". Seemingly to be about how quickly people can fail, whether it be at life, love, or specifically the music industry, and how what we hear from others and read throughout daily life can torment one and drive them to insanity.
Three tracks in and the plot thickens. It became clear to me that this is a story, the content of the songs, the track titles, and how they somewhat meld into a continuous story. Following "Torment", Corbin and Bobby Raps dig a bit deeper and specifically "Blame The Internet" as a source of torment, as the track title suggests. Specifically hitting the notation of how the internet has evolved to become such a massive part of our lives. People can cross paths online and fall in love almost instantly, while on the other hand something like this may never happen. There are people day in and day out that you will cross paths with unintentionally, and there are people, whoever they may be, that you will never meet, and there is nothing you can do about that. It's a strange subject to think about, maybe if you had liked her instagram picture your entire future would've been different. Maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but it's definitely something that could happen in today's society. "The Depths" seems to be a scene painted by Bobby and Corbin, a place precisely, a place in which these two artists remain and keep their hopes low and question "What if all of this is a waste of time? Hell is just outside, Heaven is a state of mind."
Mid track Corbin screams out that he feels that he's already dead, to be followed by a two minute silence. The silence breaks with a change of tempo and what seems to be echoing bells, all of which could possibly symbolize the rebirth of Corbin, leaving Spooky Black in the past.
The album closes out with "Burdened", a track that exploits a deep sadness. Corbin tells the story of a boy who sees a girl who doesn't love herself. This boy willing to take her cuts and pain, to relieve her of her pains and sadness. Bobby picks up sharing a life full of burdens and regrets, much that many of us can relate to. Bobby's verse in this track is stronger on so many levels than the rest on this album. The emotion, whether it be anger, sadness, or both, really shines through and comes forth and closes out this 25 minute journey through a life of sadness on this cold world.
Whether this is truly the death of Spooky Black or not, Corbin and Bobby Raps carve out a wild, emotional, ambient experience for all listeners. There is something in this project that everyone can relate to on some level, something that will make one look back and better themselves. These artists as a duo have come together to create something so profound. We can only hope that these two continue to work together, further defining themselves and bringing us more untold stories. Corbin and Bobby Raps will take the stage at Bowery Ballroom in NYC on Sunday, July 12th. Tickets can be purchased here.
Young Coyote
Ro Ransom, also known as Young Coyote, an upcoming rap artist from New York City, is frequently overlooked due to the over saturation of artists these days. With that notation set aside, the young artist has a clear vision to success, yet remains honest with himself about where the music industry stands and how difficult it has become to make it these days. With everyone trying to rap and utilize soundcloud for immediate success, Ro Ransom makes it obvious that his passion for music is much more than a quick trek to the top of the charts. He's definitely not a one trick act, as his genre diversity covers not only his usual rapping, but also touches of R&B, and even classic grunge covers. With references to Metal Gear Solid, samples from Army Of Pharaohs, all while exploiting subjects such as the darkness of narcotic use, It is evident his intelligence and execution is quite genius. This is all a nice addition to the field, as many artists just speak of drug use, sex, and money (with occasional references to subjects such as "wood"). Ro hits all the nails on the head, crafting an intellectual story, yet still remaining relevant to the culture he is further defining. Releasing what was his long awaited mixtape, Ro Ransom Is The Future, last October, it seems he has slowed down with releases as of late, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give him a listen. Check out a photo set from Michael Knapp below, as well as a link to Ro Ransom's mixtape. With a new project in the future, we can all be sure to keep this young artists on our radar.
Download Ro Ransom Is The Future here.
Photos via Michael Knapp: www.snappsny.com