R.A.I.G.E. Records – Wat’s The Word (self-released)
Up and Coming local trio R.A.I.G.E Records (Real As It Gets Entertainment) brings us a lot more than just rage on their mixtape, entitled Wat’s The Word. Members Fat B, Wize aka Dub-I, and Torch take us on their journey into learning who they are.
R.A.I.G.E. Records – Wat’s The Word (self-released)
Up and Coming local trio R.A.I.G.E Records (Real As It Gets Entertainment) brings us a lot more than just rage on their mixtape, entitled Wat’s The Word. Members Fat B, Wize aka Dub-I, and Torch take us on their journey into learning who they are. I constantly see member Fat B showing support at shows and branching out with other artist as well as Torch and Wize. They are the definition of a real Hip Hop group, and with support from others, they show that they’re an unstoppable force. They remind me of groups such as Onyx or even The Lox. Their album, which is also hosted by radio personality B-Sounds, defines the essence of what a Hip Hop group brings to the table.
The mixtape starts off with an intro by B-Sounds, then kicks into their mainstream song, “We Hot.” I have seen them perform this song many times, and I am always impressed with their stage presence. This song tells listeners to be prepared for R.A.I.G.E. to be at the top of their game. Another song that got my attention is “What They Want From Me.” This song starts off with a dedication to all the baby mothers that do the fathers wrong. You can hear the anger in the chorus they clearly say “just leave me alone.”
“Ups and Downs” shows the faith they have through their music and how people can always doubt you but never stop your hustle. One thing I liked is when Torch said, “Light something, then they tell me keep goin, no matter what’s in my way. It’s like a n**ga keep flowin, growin, this shit’s life you’re not knowin’ what tomorrow brings, from dark days to glowin on em.” That line is a very realistic line to anyone who believes in better days.
“15’s In The Trunk” is a good song to play if you really have 15’s pumping this solo effort by member Torch. Warning: your car will shake thanks to the 808s the beat uses. “Tip Ya Glass” is a track by member Fat B. Listen to this track if you are going through days when you feel low or down and out. Like he says, “losing is not an option.” “I Want It All” is a solo track by member Wize aka Dub I. He makes it pretty clear that he isn’t settling for anything but the world. The beat is pretty dope as well. Throughout the mixtape I enjoyed listening to the descriptions of the pain and struggle that theses emcees go through. I respect their grind to make their craft more than a hobby.
Two other songs really caught my attention, one of them being “Leader.” There are so many obstacles you can go through a trying to develop a name locally, and Fat B hit every step with this track. “Rhythm Of My Life” which samples the Italian band Coronas hit “Rhythm Of The Night,” is another song that I like not just because of the sample but of the content of what they were saying. “Tragically is just the rhythm of my life, don’t say I’m living trife, I’m just trying to get it right,” says Fat B on this track. They end the album with one of their trademark songs “R.A.I.G.E 4EVA.” I’ve seen many of their live performances, and this is one of their hardest songs that they perform.
This mixtape is just as strong as their commitment to the music, which they show with every live performance and song. One thing that you can definitely say about R.A.I.G.E. Records is that they truly are as real as it gets. They are some of the best local supporters and entertainers I have seen in RVA. They have connected with some pretty established people in RVA, and are proving that they can solidify a spot becoming one of the best trios out. I hope to see more of them in the future of RVA Hip Hop.
