Ra’Shaun has been hitting the studio heavy. He covered Odie’s remix of the “Too Late” instrumental record – by Minnesota producer BLANDA – last year. This singer called his rendition “What’s Up”. Ra’Shaun has also done a ton of features since then, including one with Trebino and Trapo called “95”. The hustle is strong with Shaun.
He goes over The Kount’s “Hey” instrumental record on “Colombiana”, giving it a new flavor. The “Dial” record is exceptional, but of course, what would Kolors be without “Deja Vu”. The whole project has a finely tuned direction toward Wisconsin R&B masterpiece, reminding us that Ra’Shaun Bro is here to stay. He put a couple other projects to the side as well. Shaun stays dropping these bright singalong records. There’ll be more soon.
The artist says in a note:
“Everything I’m doing is to give Madison, Wisconsin something to be proud of. Shout out to the other artists from the city that are making moves. I’m going to represent our hometown the best way possible no matter how far my career takes me.”
Wave Chapelle goes for the W on his latest tape. This is that hype for the city (April 29, 2016). The high octane artist speaks to his grind, his brief stint on Yo Gotti‘s label and his return to Milwaukee on the project. He brings the energy and captures the Drizzy flow for The 4 – through the lens of basketball – which is known for being highly competitive in Wisconsin.
Wave keeps the production in his circle and brings in his boy IshDARR on the “Let’s Win” record. His Good People clique is growing strong. Power in numbers. Wave was one of the first to break out of the city and state. Check out his major placement in the “Wisconsin Soul” feature on HipHopDX. Also, see his “Varsity” and “Boss Up” features.
On “Home Team”, he says :
“If you want it, gotta chase it We done made it out the basement Now I’m going to the bases I send my momma on vacation I want it bad and I want it fast But I’ve been working on my patience Don’t come around with no bad vibes Cause I ain’t really with the fake shit”
Genesis Renji is only 23 but already speaks like a veteran of Hip Hop. When I asked him about A Shot Of Gen 3, the Maryland-born, Milwaukee-based emcee said, “It’s just my 10,000 bars” (November 17, 2015). This is a dope EP by any standard, but that mindset – knowing ya gotta work for it – speaks to the quality coming outta the 414.
I had the chance to chop it up with Gen yesterday about the EP. The fluid emcee looks to “always be as versatile as possible,” and that shows through on this collection of bangers. Gen cites Lil Wayne, Eminem and Lupe Fiasco as major influences, and not for none, I think he can flip records with the best of em in 2015. The Young Casanova goes from a super lit “The Roof” all the way down to a smooth “Cassette Love” with Oshi. “Time Burton’s Wedding” stands out because of that dirty “Cry Me A River” sample, but then the rapper kills two bangers in a row until closing with an ambient “Rubbish” joint.
Gen’s execution is on point, which makes him seem more relatable than the average. I asked him what people like about Milwaukee rap and he said – “The authenticity”. Before it was “Jack Rap,” he explains. “That’s middle of Burleigh.” But now Detroit has claimed that flow for themselves, The Mil is on a new wave. According to Gen, all the scene needed was “the right light”. And although the rapper pays homage to The Chi – calling it “Mecca” – he assures Milwaukee has next year.
A Shot Of Gen 3 is the final installment in the series. Genesis Renji is already looking forward to a complete concept album next year. Also, look out for the “Tatted Up” video, coming soon to a video platform near you.
