Depression

It’s been a hot minute since I last covered this MC. I’ve been tracking his career and progress the past few years and I know just how solid of a rapper he is. This time around accompanied by a dope producer who is new to me and a dope DJ for the cuts we have this hot single that is sure to be on everyone’s mind for the next few months! This is the brand new single by MC -Rustee Juxx and Producer -Preed One with DJ TMB on the cuts! This track is 2 minutes and 32 seconds with quite a heavy topic on the mind to discuss (as the title suggests, so let’s get into it!) Let’s start with the MC side of things first. As I mentioned Ruste is one of those guys who commands the respect and attention of everyone in the culture for his strong and consistent performances! And no more so then on this track does he further solidify that claim! First of all, I found it intriguing that the first words were ‘Common signs of depression’ with an opener like that you know he’s serious and actually going to stick to the topic at hand. For me nothing irritates me more than someone who makes a themed track (or album) and then outside of a few lines barely touches on the concept they brought to the table! But luckily we don’t have that issue here. He brings a somber, serious tone to the lyrics on this track. Baring his soul and his symptoms to the forefront which can’t be easy as hip hop can be one of the more unforgiving genres over emotional health but he’s giving us a blueprint of what could be achieved or normalised in the future! What I like about this track is that although he’s naming the stuff he might be going through he’s also telling the audience what can cause it and what to avoid to prevent it! This song feels like a warning awareness lesson on the topic which is a really cool way to spin the heavy topic so shoutout to Rustee for taking that approach, utilising his established strong, steady flow and rough and rugged demeanour to a topic that a lot would love to hear about! The instrumental itself is rooted in the 90’s sonically I got a -Geto Boys ‘Minds Playing Tricks On Me’ vibe with those luscious cuts, theatrical chord progressions, rhythmic drums, epic violin strings and cinematically driven jazz horns! There’s also that undeniable bass mixed into the song to give that extra raw texture! I also love how they added in the Geto Boys -I can’t sleep, I toss and turn!’ Which further points to the sonic influence of the group! I also love the fact they decided to root a song that’s so deep in subject matter into the sound of the old school. It’s actually genius! Why? Because 9/10 whenever an artist attempts to bring important topics to light with hip hop it’s always under the umbrella of some abstract or experimental sound that alienates the audience before they even bother to pay attention to the lyrics! This way you’re glued in based on the familiar and nostalgic influences which will in turn open you up to hearing the messages in place! Brilliant strategy! Look, if you’re someone who is struggling with depression but not the type to go out and seek help then this could be for you! Just a simple listen to a dope collection of artists who are