Ragin Rose | ‘808 Thanks HeartBreak’
Texas-bred Ragin Rose has had to endure a ton of adversity since his move to New York 5 years ago. His debut album, “808 Thanks HeartBreak”, captures these complexities in bombastic fashion while delivering an extremely versatile project on all cylinders. It’s difficult to box this project into one genre as Ragin Rose plays on many. It’s a trap-pop, rap album that contains elements of punk, alternative, and modern Hip-Hop influences. This genre blend is a hard feat to achieve, but Rose executes these transitional intricacies superbly. If you’re looking for a project to excite you & deliver sounds to which you’re virgin to, you’ve stumbled on the right album.
Ragin Rose has never been one to deny his feelings, and the intro of the album on “HeartBreak Hotel” displays the internal struggle that the artist deals with constantly. Through tumultuous experiences & impressive pitty-pat flows, he guides you through his mental state. A perfect segway into the next single, “GhostWriting”, that dives into a different realm. This punk-inspired record showcases the true diverse ability of Ragin Rose. He travels between high-octave verses & snaps back in the pocket with sleek rap verses quicker than a pin drop. With these first few records setting the pace for a roller-coaster ride, “Bad Boyfri(end)” & “Casualties” come to play with your heart-strings. He recites personal experiences that listeners of heartbreak can relate to, and elongates notes beautifully for dramatic effect. While addressing the situational love that occurred on “Bad Boyfri(end)”, the next record “Casualties” executes a certain sense of self-infliction.
“I’ma sip this pain away, while you sippin’ on haterade” – Ragin Rose
While these lyrics sting you, Ragin Rose is always keen to strike while the iron’s hot & give you a melody with heavy reverb to fill your psyche. As soon as the record reaches completion, we are gifted with the “Unlimited Potential Interlude”. Ragin Rose is seen here giving off the utmost inspiration in a conversational manner while the production on the next record lies beautifully underneath his positive encouragement.
With this next record being one of our favorite records off of the project, “Drift Away”, featuring JAB & BleuFlame ignite a fiery passion. Ragin Rose rattles off an elegantly controlled flow that at times lets loose into colorful harmonies. The Texas-born creative lets it all go on this record and combined with the delightful production he sets the scene for a hit. Release your inhibitions & reach the positive state you’re inclined to reach, is our takeaway from the record.
On “808th World”, Ragin Rose snaps off into one of his most replayable records on “808 Thanks HeartBreak”. This joint is seriously hyped up & is led by Ragin in his final form. He doesn’t let up for a second and keeps the pressure on with hard-hitting verses & sizzling harmonies. On “Ready? Yeah? Okay…” the production is magnificent. Ragin’s ability to play off the 4-counts & bouncy passages showcases an artist who is getting comfortable in his strong suits. Each record off of this project so far is a testament to the artist’s conscientiousness. He can perform in many styles, and not only attempt it- but do it well. This is the type of project that is pushing the needle forward & expanding the lens of which Hip-Hop is looked beneath. We were lucky enough to gain comment from Ragin and ask the artist where the inspiration for “808 Thanks HeartBreak” came from and he noted,
“It’s a compilation of what’s happened in life thus far since I moved to NYC 5 years ago. Failed relationships, successful relationships, heartbreak here and there, and what I’ve been able to turn it into musically. Just wanted other people to believe in themselves like no other. Only person that can tell you NO is yourself.” – Ragin Rose
As he wraps up this body of work with emotional vulnerability & two tracks at the end which are sure to shake your subs- it’s important to note this message from the artist. He translates his own experience into musical form. His previous heartbreaks, the rawness of life, and his own struggles are encapsulated into this 10-track, 26-minute project. Through all of that thick, Ragin still wants to inspire you & he achieves just that. From front to back, it’s “808 Thanks HeartBreak” is surely one for the books. Be sure to follow Ragin Rose on Instagram to stay in tune with the latest from him.
Stream “808 Thanks HeartBreak” Below:
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