Conceptualism that goes too far can kill a high quality rap profession, however as of 2024, this has but to be an issue for Ren.y.c. Ren.y.c has defied developments within the underground to create an easy model that doesn’t borrow something from the mainstream or her indie contemporaries, and in her new single “Wicky,” this model takes middle stage in probably the most bodily of the way doable. With out having to depend on a synthesized beat, “Wicky” sees its creator meting out among the sleekest grooves she’s caught her identify on since coming into the sport, and if her work, that is no small assertion for me to make.

Effectivity appears to be on the core of the whole lot on this observe, beginning with the compositional pillars that separate the lyrics from the instrumental spine tying them collectively. When doable, Ren.y.c is sourcing the temper right here from the bass and the percussion as a lot as she is her lyrical supply, which leads to the music sounding full-bodied although there isn’t a number of grandiosity to its development in any respect. Being bigger than life is one factor, however utilizing nothing greater than persona and natural musical prowess to get there takes a sure form of skill.

Ren.y.c’s aggressive assault on the mic is the one factor right here that would come even near being described as indulgent, however it’s one thing I might by no means change about “Wicky” for something.

She has a lot moxie coming into each verse, and when she does come undone on this observe, it’s solely to advance the narrative and the emotional subtext we’re speculated to be getting out of it. That speaks to the identical aforementioned level of effectivity on the basis of this single, reasonably than something, significantly excessive from an aesthetical perspective.

The songwriting abilities she has are epic for positive, however Ren.y.c’s remedy of the association by itself proves she has a robust curiosity in retaining issues as reduce and dry as she will. There aren’t any props or different brokers of bombast to get between us and the artist unleashing her true kind on this doc, and I might even say that the structuring of “Wicky” refutes the very notion of her promoting out with the success it’s prone to yield for its designer this spring.

I’m a tough critic to please with regards to trendy, independently-released hip-hop virtually completely due to how a lot expertise is circulating the underground these days, however when you’re in search of an all-around winner this February, Ren.y.c’s “Wicky” is a superb addition to any rap-focused playlist.

Ren.y.c isn’t enjoying amateurish pop video games on this efficiency; she’s reiterating what her priorities as an artist and composer are, which is greater than will be mentioned for lots of the different gamers getting publicity within the press proper now. “Wicky” feels not like a conclusion however as a substitute a segue, and I extremely doubt it’s going to be the final hit we hear from this proficient younger participant within the sport right this moment.

Mindy McCall