Still representing Brooklyn, Ruste Juxx reminisces over a song that carries on the legacy of traditional East Coast rap. The new track, "Cruisin," pulled from his forthcoming EP "Once Upon a Crime," produced by German beatmaker Boomboii, sets the tone for a razor-sharp lyricism, hypnotic grooves, and raw, unapologetic energy. Ruste Juxx embraces the raw, boom-bap essence of 90s hip-hop that put fans on to it in the first place.
With deft tongue, he spits the kind of cheeky, intelligent bars that ping pong between clever wordplay and astute commentary effortlessly, whilst allowing his smoothly confident voice to traverse a mix of classic drum loops with modern polish. The flourishing Mighty Boombap production adds a fresh layer to the record, sharp snares, deep basslines, and light samples create an aesthetic that is both familiar and refreshing. "Cruisin" has a cinematic vibe to it, with Ruste taking us through the streets of Brooklyn as we hear it in our headphones, absorbing the urban scenery while he raps reflective yet braggadocious lyrics.
The track also transcends that as it showcases boom-bap interacting with modern musical tendencies, appealing to both old heads and young ones looking to dig into more substance on their rap plates. "Cruisin" also highlights the stability of Ruste Juxx as a performer. The only thing more pronounced on the EP is how he has been able to catch ears in a cluttered hip-hop arena since day one. The link between him and Boomboii is braided throughout every shift in beat, every lilting piece of instrumentation, and feels purposeful, adding a burst of life to the song as it retains trademark charm. Though his music might draw the ire of backpack rap purists who love lyrics and boom bap beats, "Cruisin" is a statement. "Cruisin" is the perfect reminder to buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.