Russ’ love for rapping stands out in this track.
I’m one of those unapologetic hip-hop fans who believes Russ is an exceptional rapper. If you compare some of his verses to those of your favorite artists, you might be surprised at how much better they can be. That said, I kind of prefer him not knowing how good he actually is, because I enjoy when he really leans into his singing. Anyways, on “SSX Tricky,” Russ raps with a tone that feels like he’s putting in the effort as if his rent is due but also like he’s just going through the motions out of boredom.
In “SSX Tricky,” Russ sticks to his typical braggadocious style, mentioning his tours and the cash he’s stacking. He also reflects on his past, sharing memories of playing the video game SSX Tricky with his cousins during Christmas. Honestly, I’d pay a dollar to anyone who could tell me what SSX Tricky actually is.
What’s intriguing about “SSX Tricky” is that it’s powered by a smooth, Sade-like instrumental that’s not your typical rap beat. But Russ takes it in stride and decides to rap over it anyway. One of his strengths is delivering sharp punchlines that might make you rewind to catch the full impact. His flow is effortless and confident, showing that he’s not intimidated by any beat, no matter how unconventional.
Check out “SSX Tricky” below.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
