hiphoplifeandtimes

Revenge of the Truence’s MuGGz and Tay Dayne waste no time getting to the point on their hard hitting new EP, H1N1, produced entirely by frequent collaborator Endemic Emerald. They kick things off by landing a massive uppercut with the lead single, “The Outbreak,” and they never take a moment to rest until the closing track fades. It’s a signal of immediacy that coincides with the New York duo’s mission statement of keeping it moving with a steady stream of quality releases.

Since releasing their debut Rot4ever in 2015, they’ve dropped a staggering four albums and six EPs, with each building on what came before it. “The progression is what keeps me going,” Tay says of their strong work ethic. “Not only seeing how the music gets better and better, but also seeing people’s reception to our art.”

To say that fans and newcomers alike will be receptive to H1N1 is a massive understatement. There is so much to dig into and digest on this EP’s six tracks, whether you’re in it for Endemic’s grimy aesthetic, MuGGz and Tay’s quotable verses, or the tack-sharp songwriting. While tracks like “The Outbreak” and “H1N1” highlight their rapping chops, the duo really shows off their pen game on standouts “Trading Places” and “Major Way.” After all, there’s a good reason those tracks are among Endemic and Tay’s favorites. “They’re beats with bars and a message,” Tay says.

There’s a strong message running through the video for the title track as well, which is available for viewing today to coincide with the project’s release. ROT self-directed the visuals that center on footage from the H1N1 outbreak of 2009 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a bit of a heavy watch, but it’s a poignant one as well as a grim reminder of where the world is at right now.

H1N1 is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via No Cure Records. The six track effort is also available on vinyl in limited quantities via Fat Beats.

Revenge of the Truence Online:

Instagram • Twitter
 

Endemic Emerald Online:

Instagram • Twitter  • Facebook

We catch up with NYC Group Revenge of the Truence to build ahead of their new EP release H1N1, check out the 1st single after the interview!

• Peace guys how are you doing across the pond in this current climate ?

Tay: Doing as good as can be staying in with the family and keeping productive.

MuGGz: We chillin, keeping out the madness right now.

• You have a new release H1N1 coming up, tell us about the project?

Tay: H1N1 is based around the idea of “sickness” and “disorder”. We thought about how in a lot of inner city neighborhoods (like the one we were raised in) it’s the same thing occurring; little to no opportunities, systemized racism, the decay of building structures and mental states. This dilapidation causes “sickness” and “disorder”. We wanted to find a way to describe these issues and the idea of it breeding sickness. The name H1N1 came to mind. This was last year right before Covid was what it is currently. It just so happens that it is even more relevant now

• Who were your influences coming up?

MuGGz:. Big pun in my opinion is the best to have ever done it and that’s a bold statement I know. In general all 90s Hip Hop in general influenced me.

Tay: Hip Hop influences for me are Biggie, Pun, Smif N Wessun, M.O.P, Guru, CNN, Nas, Method Man (and the rest of Wu Tang), Mos Def, The Roots, a lot more. Have to include James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Willie Hutch (Soul & Funk Music)

• Tell the readers about growing up in Harlem and what its now like  2020?

MuGGz: I’’m from Yorkville like 10-12 blocks from where east harlem starts I’ve been around the uptown area my whole life in the late 90’s early 2000’s shit was wild and live don’t get me wrong it still is but because of gentrification the police presence is more oppressive then before things really started to change after 9/11.

Tay: I’m from Harlem born and raised. I can tell you it’s different from the Mid 90s-Early 2000s. Harlem and New York in general have always had a different energy than any other place. With the growth of gentrification tho we’ve seen a shift in the overall tone of Harlem, in my opinion. There’s nothing wrong with putting money into a place to make it better, but when you bring money in and it pushes the long time residence out now there’s a problem. You see a lot of that in NYC. Neighborhoods are getting rebuilt and the price is driving up. A lot of people can’t afford to live in the “New Harlem” they want to create smh. That’s another kind of “sickness” plaguing us, rich vs poor. Have vs have not.

• I see Endemic Emerald produced the project, how did that hook up come about?

MuGGz: We met Endemic like 3-4 years ago at a showcase in Queens we exchanged info but nothing ever came of it. One day I was going through our gmail and saw that he was offering a deal on a Ep’s worth of beats so we linked back up the rest is history. H1N1. Go get that.

• You seem to have worked with a lot of UK producers, that’s dope! How does our production sound compare to those across the pond?

Tay: Yeah we have Salute to Quincy (Soul Agents Music) produced our International Waters album got us on the track of international endeavors, Jack Diggs who produced our Midnight Run album in Feb, Also our G Yellow Balaclava, a lot of work with him as well. We like what we’ve heard from out there from a few producers mainly because it still has that sound and tone that New York had in the 90s. It’s like the UK and a few other places worldwide took what NY dropped and kept it running. Respect for that!

• What’s currently in your playlist? Any other new artists we should know about?

Tay: Right now we fully focused on giving the world 20 projects in 202! But there’s a list of emcees featured on MuGGz & Yellow Balaclava album “Masked Escapades” from Josiah The Gift, Showrock, Whatamess, Intel Selektah, Indigo Phoenyx, Lupus Dei, and More. Check out any of them and that album.

• Where can our readers find you guys online?

MuGGz: Follow us on IG: @ROT4Ever and @LivethruYours to support our merch. Our solo IG’s are @MuGGzOnDruGz @GurumorahLTY. Also on bandcamp for exclusive music https://ltymusicgroup.bandcamp.com/ . Or hit your favorite streaming platform and search “Revenge of the Truence” and add us to your playlist.

• Thanks for the time, anything else you want to add?

Tay: Make sure you get that H1N1 Vinyl at https://nocurerecords.bandcamp.com/album/h1n1 or through Fat Beats June 5th.

Lord Payback releases a brand new single titled “Damn Wigga”. The American artist comes back in full-force since the release of “All I Want” with a Hip-Hop/rap fusion set to spark mass appeal among lovers of the urban inspired music. His natural ability at transforming his past experiences into unique lyrical and sonic patterns is his biggest strength, delivered in style via his other main asset; his fast-paced flow. “Damn Wigga” will conquer the hearts of listeners thanks to an amazing production providing the perfect base for Payback to layer atop his uniquely powerful flow. 

After amassing hundreds of thousands of streams with releases such as “Red Ropes”,  “Life Is A Lesson”, and “Without Darkness”, Briguel are back with yet another skillful blend of pop and Hip-Hop. This track is titled ‘Who Do You Wanna Be’ and is an introspective piece as most of Briguel’s works are, inviting us to look at our deepest negative patterns in order to create space for better things to take place in our lives. Luckily, we have artists like Briguel soothing our pain away with their beautiful music, sharing their observations about unproductive thought and behavioural patterns. The music however, takes you far away from pain and misery with ultra efficient melodic lines and magnificent vocals from both Brianne Berkson and Miguel Gluckstern.

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