Reno RX is shaking up the underground hip-hop scene with his upcoming project GEN POP, dropping September 20, 2024. Known for his gritty, unfiltered lyricism and production prowess, Reno RX isn’t holding back in this power-packed release. Not only does he lay out sharp bars, but he’s also sending a clear message to the industry: originality is missing, and the Griselda clones are up for critique. With a lineup of heavyweight spitters like Aida The Alligator and Nyce Da Future, this album is a declaration of war against mediocrity.
A Bold Attack on the Clone Culture
In an era where many underground artists are mimicking popular styles, GEN POP is a breath of fresh air. Reno RX steps into the booth and behind the boards to deliver something authentic. This album doesn’t just address the problems of the music scene—it obliterates them. It’s brimming with high-energy bars and grimy production that pays homage to boom bap, but it does so in a way that’s uniquely Reno. Fans of old-school Wu-Tang and Mobb Deep will feel the nostalgia, but the album isn’t just a nod to the past. Reno adds a modern touch with his sharp-witted rhymes and thematic depth.
On GEN POP, Reno RX partners with some of the fiercest underground names, ensuring that every track has a unique flavor. Aida The Alligator comes through with a jaw-dropping verse on Rna, while Nyce Da Future delivers tough, no-nonsense bars on Romelo and Ray. The result is an album that keeps listeners on their toes, bouncing from raw introspection to hard-hitting street anthems.
The Power of Collaboration
Reno RX stands tall on his own, but his choice of collaborators takes GEN POP to another level. Aida The Alligator’s verse on Rna is a lyrical assault, cutting through the competition with precision and fury. She’s not to be taken lightly, and her raw energy pairs perfectly with Reno’s production. Nyce Da Future also brings the heat on Romelo and Ray, delivering grim truths about life in the streets. These features aren’t just fillers—they’re integral parts of the album’s narrative.
Reno’s production shines throughout GEN POP. Every track is meticulously crafted, blending gritty samples with hard-hitting drums that command attention. His ability to create a cohesive sound that feels both classic and modern is what sets him apart from the copycats he critiques. There’s a consistent theme of loyalty, survival, and artistry that runs throughout the album, making it not just a collection of tracks but a cohesive project.
Breaking Down GEN POP: Track by Track
- Choices (Intro)
A solid opener that sets the tone for the album. Reno delivers contemplative lyrics about the choices people make in life and how these decisions shape their destiny. The Wu-Tang and Raekwon influence is clear, with heavy drums and a haunting sample that pulls listeners in. It’s a boom bap banger that has you thinking about life’s “what-ifs.” - Make It Make Sense
This track is full of swagger and confidence. Reno raps about success and dealing with haters: “All these niggas hating, make it make sense.” The beat is smooth but packs a punch, making it perfect for late-night drives or moments of reflection. This is boss music at its finest, a declaration of Reno’s refusal to let jealousy get in the way of his grind. - Copycat Killer
This track takes things to a darker place. With violent imagery and intense lyricism, Reno tackles the idea of copycats in the rap game, comparing himself to a “killer” wiping out imitators. The production mirrors the violent themes with hard-hitting drums and chilling samples that add to the song’s menacing atmosphere. - Rna (feat. Aida The Alligator)
Aida The Alligator steals the show on this one, bringing unmatched intensity to her verse. She and Reno go back and forth, discussing what it means to move like a real gangster in today’s rap scene. Reno’s production elevates the track with aggressive drums and a haunting backdrop that serves as the perfect canvas for these hard-hitting bars. - Metric Ton
Channeling the gritty, streetwise energy of Mobb Deep, Reno delivers vivid bars about the weight of power and respect in the streets: “My Uzi weigh a metric ton.” The track explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their territory. It’s a testament to Reno’s ability to tell a story through hard-hitting rhymes. - The True and Living
This track is a standout for its slower, more introspective vibe. Reno reflects on his journey, paying homage to the streets and the struggles he’s overcome. The production is soulful and smooth, giving Reno space to deliver some of his most thoughtful lyrics on the album. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter the cost. - Romelo and Ray (feat. Nyce Da Future)
Closing out the album, Romelo and Ray is an anthem of survival and resilience. Nyce Da Future complements Reno perfectly, with both artists delivering hard-nosed verses about their rise from the streets. The track is filled with vivid imagery, from bullets flying to shrimp tempura—a juxtaposition of violence and luxury that encapsulates the duality of street life.
Reno RX’s GEN POP is a bold statement in an underground scene plagued by imitation. It’s a powerful reminder that originality still matters, and Reno is here to remind everyone that he’s not to be taken lightly.
