RMR Has Got Us Shook

4.18.20

@WhatRMR

When I look at this man in the black ski mask, with golden teeth, a bullet proof vest on, and weapon in hand, I’m ready for the hardest music I’ve heard in a minute. I’m kind of thinking maybe we have another member of Grisellda on our hands, maybe something like an A$AP Mob type of artist. Looking at a whole crew behind him packing weapons, it’s possible it is really bad trap music, like Chief Keef. To my surprise, I could not be more wrong on all three of those guesses.

RMR is a new artist who is whom is attempting to remain anonymous while going viral and instantly becoming a public figure. The mask stays on in public. We do not know his real name, but we do know that he is in his early twenties, and that he claims he grew up traveling back and forth from Atlanta to Inglewood. RMR says he has been working on music for a while, but up until now he was behind the scenes producing or engineering. Spoiler alert for what we are about to get into, RMR says his favorite musicians are Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, and Rascal Flatts.

RMR’s debut single is a song called ‘Rascal.’ The song has a visual alongside it, where he is wearing his ski mask, holding a gun, and followed by his crew whom are each armed with weapons, as well. I am instantly shocked, and somewhat appalled when I heard country twain vocals roaring from this man’s mouth. Quite frankly, he has an amazing voice. You have to say that this man is talented. However, I’m thinking, is this real life? RMR actually uses the beat from a Rascal Flatts song, confirming that this is in fact a country song. Though the visuals are violent, and the lyrics allude to a coming up after a negative, criminal past, we are given beautiful vocals over a peaceful piano beat.

Though I really do not enjoy listening to country music, including the way this song sounds, I am incredibly intrigued. Who is RMR? What is his story? Is this what all his music will sound like? Is this the future of hip-hop? The comments on the music video are absolutely hysterical and helped me feel a bit more at ease about the situation which my ears just encountered.

“He may have robbed us at gunpoint but he also taught us how to love again.”

“My girl and I danced to this at our wedding, had to wipe my tears with my 9.”

“When you wear black AF1’s to church instead of dress shoes.”

Though RMR has ran into some issues with the rights to the song, as it was a Rascal Flats beat, it was an instant viral hit that is not going to be taken down without a fight. About a week later, we received hit single number two from RMR. I am dying to know if he does another completely country-trap song, or if he is going to change it up on us and do something super ignorant. I’m thinking about when XXX Tentacion came out with ‘Look At Me,’ and his next song was him singing. Can RMR spit, or is country really his thing?

The second song is called ‘Dealer,’ which also comes with a visual. RMR is riding solo in this visual, minus the woman with all white, creepy distorted eyes who is driving him to the beach, and then burying him alive in the sand. As the beat begins, it sounds a bit like the Drop Kick Murphys ‘Shipping Out to Boston.’ with a bit of a more soft, southern, country take on the instruments. Once the chorus kicks in, there is an added element bringing in a bit of R&B. RMR is singing with some powerful vocals, but it is less country twain and more The Weeknd style.

During the verses, RMR switches his flow several times. He goes from rapping quick, to singing vocals. From slowing down the bars, to high-pitched playful tones, back to the crazy vocals yet again. The content and the visuals are about going through addiction and withdrawals. This song is super interesting and I am enjoying the sound of it.

I believe that this is the kind of music we will continue to get from RMR, and that ‘Rascal’ was something crazy different that would get him the immediate attention he needed to begin his high-profile career. However, I could be wrong about him again. I wish I knew more about who RMR is and what he went through to get him to this place. Still, I am excited to see what comes out from him next.

RMR has recently tweeted alluding to an EP on the way, so we may just get to find out sooner than anticipated.