There is no longer room in our current musical climate for one dimensional artists. Versatility has gone from a nice-to-have to a necessary survival tactic. On new single “Ren,” Maryland rapper rMell, a member of the After F art and music collective, makes it clear that he has longterm plans. Over a rolling, self-produced beat, he delivers a short, tempo-setting verse, strategically readying the stage for his guest features to prove why they were selected.
DC rapper Cal Rips provides the second verse, which rMell says “sounds like being caught in an endless Tekken combo,” while Maryland artist Miles Meraki’s finale is nothing short of a refreshment served with a complimentary beat switch. On the hook, fellow local Hymn brings the song together in a way that ensures full use of the repeat button.
"['Ren'] got its name from a sampled sound clip from Ren & Stimpy," rMell told The FADER over email. "I never knew what to call it but everyone referred to it as 'Ren.' It is a small glimpse of what After F has to offer, I can promise you that."
rMell's new EP, No Comply, is out April 1.