I got JRoberts or Ren Thomas in a gentlemen’s sweep against your favorite rapper.
When I’m looking for sharp lyricism, jaw-dropping punchlines, and gritty energy, I turn to JRoberts. The Toronto-based emcee has quietly built a reputation as a lyrical assassin—someone who thrives on beats that would overwhelm lesser rappers. With over 500K streams on 2022’s Northside and a #1 spot on the Canadian Hip-Hop iTunes Charts with 2023’s Shamrocks & Machine Guns (produced entirely by IM’PERETIV), it’s clear that JRoberts’ underground grind is starting to pay off in a major way.
His latest offering, “Shot Down” featuring Ren Thomas, is a full-throttle reminder of his lyrical skillset. The beat itself is raw, dramatic, and could easily be mistaken for something out of a Wu-Tang Clan session. It’s the kind of production that demands respect—and JRoberts delivers, rapping like he’s got something to prove to the whole game. From flexing his elite pen to claiming his city and his hustle, every bar lands with surgical precision. He even laces the chorus with a gritty, hook-heavy cadence that sticks with you.
Ren Thomas matches the energy perfectly. Known for his aggressive flow and sharp rhymes, he steps in like a veteran sharpshooter, doubling down on punchlines while making it crystal clear that he’s built different. His verse reinforces the no-weak-links vibe of the track—delivering blow after lyrical blow and flexing on anyone who dares to challenge his position.
Overall, “Shot Down” is a gritty, boom-bap banger that taps into the golden era while still feeling fresh. Check out the track 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.
