This week’s edition of YO! HIP HOP RVA features three gifted MCs, two of which hail from cities outside of Richmond. Tajahmad and Bucky Malone, hailing from South Hill and Northern Virginia respectively, are on opposite sides of the spectrum sonically, but both get busy. We’ve also got music by Richmond’s Rah Scrilla who distinctly paints the harrowing lifestyle of a drug dealer.
Are you an artist with new tracks, a listener with suggestions or the inside scoop, or just want to say hi? Send an email to sterling@rvamag.com.
RAH SCRILLA & PROFOUND79 – “2024 Gang Starr” (single)
The title of this record is a bold claim when one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all-time is in question. But, rest assured, the late gifted lyricist Guru and legendary producer DJ Premier would give this record their nods of approval. Gritty City’s Rah Scrilla (and one third of Pyrex Don Records) and Profound79 team up for a tale about cooking and dealing a narcotic that is the subject of many rap songs. Rah Scrilla’s vivid wordplay over Profound79’s haunting production brings you along into the smoky, fluorescent-lit kitchen and junkie-laden streets. Give Rah Scrilla and Profound79 a follow on Instagram.
Bandcamp link: https://pyrexdonrecords.bandcamp.com/track/2024-gang-starr
TAJAHMAD – “Lifeguard (feat. Johnny Danger)” (single)
We featured Tajahmad back in early November with his gritty output “NEEDLES,” but now he exchanges boomy, ominous production for light keys and horns on “Lifeguard.” Despite the change in sonics, Tajahmad’s impressive command of his voice and pen is yet again on display. Over the last year he’s become one of my favorite MCs. I’m looking forward to his EP Gat Music set to release early next year. Give Tajahmad and Johnny Danger a follow on Instagram.
BUCKY MALONE – DERREN (album)
Veteran rapper Bucky Malone, who hails from Northern Virginia, used rap as an escape from the depression he experienced from his grandmother’s passing in 2010. But, according to his artist biography, he’s no longer trying to heal from trauma. Now he’s just trying to have fun, and he did just that on his latest output DERREN. Richmond native GAWD—who produced the bulk of the LP—blessed Bucky with the perfect soundscape. Additionally, DMV rising stars Butch Dawson and WiFiGawd are among the notable artists featured on the project. It’s on record, Bucky is inspired by several regional sounds from Houston’s syrupy, chopped-and-screwed records to California’s synthy g-funk. GAWD understood the assignment—his production seamlessly accompanies Bucky’s agile, rhythmic flow. All 17 tracks are purposely distorted, bouncy, bassy and synthesized, but each track sounds different from the next. DERREN is a fun listening experience intended to rile up moshes and blow out your speakers. Give Bucky Malone a follow here.
My favorite tracks:
- “INDUSTRY (feat. DJ Nick)”
- “ENCHANTED”
Top photo courtesy of Rah Scrilla x Profound79
