Zander, a Ft. Lauderdale native, gave Citrus Rap the green light to premiere his debut visual as a producer. Previously dabbling in rapping and singing, he recently revealed to us that he is “Just tryin’ to focus 100% on one area.” He seems to be on the right path, as he lends co-production on Robb Bank$’ lead single “Pressure,” on YOTS. As for this track, entitled “Science,” Zander informed us that this is simply a random instrumental he decided to get $uicide Boy$ affiliate Woozy Medz to bring to life.
Medz achieves this, matching the thumping, celestial soundscapes with intricately chopped up scenes that depict various cosmic activity. With such gritty filters, sudden cuts, and psychedelic color correction, how trippy would it be to see this on the first day of Astronomy class? That will certainly get kids’ attention. Zander agrees, as he states to us: “Shout out to science and to scientists.” Shout out to “Science,” indeed. Hit the player above to watch and feel free to stream the song below via SoundCloud.
Nick León is a 22-year-old producer, straight out of Lauderdale, who is truly pushing the envelope. This is evident in his music, particularly his Inorganic EP (embedded above)—released this past summer via Space Tapes. His ability to incorporate psychedelia in his music is mainly what draws him apart, as he tends to experiment with the resources around him in the studio, and with his mind as well. His mind wanders, the soundscapes follow, and the rest is producer magic.
Overall, the young rising talent displays a level of virtuosity that leads us to believe that he is destined to go far. An avid user of Ableton Live, Nick plans to bring chills down the spines of thousands of hetty Floridians during his live set at Miami’s upcoming annual III Points festival. With that said, Citrus Rap took the initiative to catch up with Nick León about everything from his work on Robb Bank$’s Year of the Savage and The Underachievers’ Evermore, to his dream music festival lineup and ethos as a producer.
Citrus Rap: First of all, III Points is right around the corner, so what can people expect in your set?
Nick León: I’ll be playing all original music + a few remixes. I’m hoping to mess with people’s minds a bit. It’ll definitely be something to zone out to; trippy shit.
Who are some acts you’re looking forward to seeing live at the festival?
I’m ready to see my peers shine mostly. My guys Twelve’len, Robb, and Nuri of course. There’s a band called Kazoots that are amazing too.
If you could curate a festival with unlimited budget and ability to resurrect dead acts, who would be headlining?
I don’t know…maybe a Beatles reunion or something like that…or Aphex Twin…definitely Aphex Twin.
Coming up as a producer, you tend to go through a variety of stages until you figure out that signature sound. Would you say that’s the case for you? What would you say is your signature sound at this point?
I’ve been making beats for 10 years now—and it all started from reggaeton [Laughs], so it’s definitely changed. I think my “sound” at the moment is based on textures; I’m big on textures, layered soundscapes and all that.
What is your favorite song off of YOTS that you didn’t produce on?
“Leatherface” and “WIT” are my favorites right now.
@Nuezism leatherface still my favorite you dam goon
You clearly have been busy this past year making music for yourself and others. Do you separate those processes much, or are you mainly locked into the studio churning out beats and sorting them out later? What exactly is your approach to getting into the groove of making tracks?
If I’m by myself, 90% of the time I’m working on my own stuff. When I work with artists, it almost always has to be in the same room. That’s how I prefer it. The music just flows better that way. Everything sounds better when everyone is on the same page.
What some people may or may not know is that you’re the executive producer of the rather impressive follow-up album from The Underachievers that just came out. Coming from South Florida, how exactly did you guys connect; and what events lead up to you being graced with the opportunity to take on Evermore?
Twitter is my plug [Laughs]. I sent UA a bunch of beats when they first got signed in 2012. We got cool, they kicked it at my house in Lauderdale one time after a flight layover, and we just kept in touch. I kept sending tracks and eventually Issa asked me to executive produce the album. It had been in the works for a little while.
Shouts outs to Twitter. So what duties did you take on as the executive producer?
As executive producer, my job was to make sure the entire album flowed, and that every beat was consistent. UA had the direction they wanted but my job was to compliment their ideas and make them come to life. I had to replay some samples on the album and got a few homies to add live instruments. I also mixed a good amount of the tracks on there before the album was sent to Daddy Kev.
Speaking of Twitter, we noticed the Holy Mountain cover photo on your Twitter profile. That’s very cool to know you’re a fan of the film. It makes total sense, considering that you mentioned to us in your “Florida’s Natural” interview that you’re into psychedelia. What else do you draw influence from when it comes to psych stuff?
I’m addicted to knowing the things you aren’t supposed to “know.” I read a lot. I’ll read some shit that will just ruin my day/life and perception on the whole world, but, like, I can’t look away [Laughs]. I’m a pretty positive person, but I know there is a lot of incredibly dark shit going on in this reality, so I try to shed light on some of those things in my work. The human condition is pretty psychedelic too—if people actually stop to think about it.
Your Inorganic EP is comprised of a lot of soundscapes and seems to only be suited for listening, rather than being rapped over. What do you apply to those solo tracks that separates from the rap tracks you make?
It’s like two different halves of my brain. The solo stuff is usually made when I’m left to my own devices like I mentioned previously. I just experiment: I’ll go crazy over voice memo recordings and messing with the audio until something comes out—that’s how this last EP was made. I would turn something, like the sound of my dog crying, into a synth, or something stupid like that. When I make music for artists, I either have to be with them or have a clear understanding of what they want. Otherwise, nothing gets done or it just gets boring.
What do you find is your biggest struggle as an artist? Producer?
My biggest struggle is just making sense, finding context to what I do, and explaining it to people. I’m a little bit schizophrenic with music.
“Sometimes I’m the rap producer; other times I’m the audio scientist.”
What is one of your favorite studio memories with Robb while making YOTS?
One of my favorite studio moments with Robb was playing the “3D” beat for him. I had it since 2013, and it was one of my favorite tracks I had ever made that nobody could seem to do anything with. He asked me to play some older stuff—and as soon as that one came on, it was over. He snapped; it all worked out.
At this rate, the future certainly looks bright for you, Nick. What’s next for you?
I’m working on an album, and a few projects in between.
Thanks for chopping it up with Citrus Rap once again. Anything else to add?
Thanks for reaching out, come catch my live set at III Points on Friday 6-7 p.m. at the main stage.
DIRECTOR(s): IndigoChildRick & Turi PRODUCERS: Father, Nick Leon & Zander NEW ALBUM: Year of the Savage
Just when it seemed like all was tame after Year Of The Savage‘s release, RobbBank$ releases the video for the lead single “Pressure.” Directed by Turi and SS’s very own IndigoChildRick—who lends multiple hands for the project as both a rapper and producer—the video depicts Phone and his squad turning up and applying pressure as the song mentions. Indigo and the crew provide a clean set of visuals for the banger, full of some clever edits and smooth shots—one of which looks very reminiscent of the “Counting” video where it all started (see screenshots below).
As the album continues to make its rounds on the internet and beyond, fans can be sure to look out for more content from Year of the Savage. For more info on the album, see the credits here and his latest interview here.
The moment every Robb Bank$ fan has been waiting years for is finally here. As of now, Year Of The Savage is available for purchase on iTunes. Robb took to Instagram to announce the tracklisting, along with snippets of every track, however, the production credits were not yet revealed. Citrus Rap went ahead and did some digging to get official confirmation of who produced what. Fans no longer have to spread rumors; it’s all here. Enjoy, spread the word, and feel free to bang this album 1000x over.
Tracklist
1. Outro (prod. Young Savage)
2. Buku (prod. Nuez)
3. Leatherface (prod. Nuez)
4. Half-Bae ft. Pouya (prod. IndigoChildRick, Nuez & Nuri)
5. WIT (prod. IndigoChildRick)
6. Chain Swing (prod. Zaytoven, Nuri & Nuez)
7. Pressure (prod. Father, Nick León & Zander)
8. Ca2ie ft. Young Neil (prod. Nuez & Uncle Flex) *Bonus Track—Download HERE
9. Phone Sex ft. Lucki Eck$ (prod. Nuri)
10. Pink P***y (prod. Nuez & Nick León)
11. FuckUmean ft. IndigoChildRick (prod. Nuri)
12. 2phoneshawty (prod. Spaceghostpurrp)
13. 3D (prod. Nick León)
Mixed by Nuez & Cashous
Distributed by 300 Ent.
For more information about the album, check out Robb’s latest interview with Mass Appeal.
Hailing from Opa-Locka, home of the Miami Hurricanes—a place that just 10 years ago had the highest violent crime rate in the country, Yung Simmie is a rapper who has successfully created a name for himself over the years. Ironically, as a man of few words, he has seen much success from his oratory. Aligning (and unaligning) himself with notable figures early on, he has undoubtedly made his due rounds in the Florida rap sector and beyond. Alongside these figures, such as Denzel Curry and the Buffet Boys, he’s been able to captivate audiences worldwide through playing several tours and spot-dates.
As much as performing live can be a great help for any artist, it ultimately comes down to making music. Simmie has no issues in that department, with countless memorable singles and several mixtapes under his belt—including the first two in the Basement Music series. Anyone who pays attention to the 275 founder should have caught the recent tweet about the third installment to the series, Basement Music 3. For those who didn’t see it, October 15th is the date to remember.
With that approaching, tracks and videos dropping left and right, and continual touring, it was essential that he give some updates to Citrus Rap so that fans and newcomers alike can stay on track. With the help of some solid plugs, Simmie agreed, and chopped it up after slaying the stage in Miami: something he is very much used to doing at this point in his career.
Almost 4 years ago, you made a theatrical appearance in this old, Pouya-produced webisode. This is one of the earliest instances of you using your famous “BUM BUM BUM” catchphrase. What exactly is “BUM BUM BUM” all about?
[Laughs] That’s me, man. That’s just what I bring: “Bum Bum Bum.” I can’t explain it, dawg. It has no meaning, literally. It’s just me. When you think of “Bum Bum Bum,” just think of me. It ain’t got no corny meaning to it or nothing. It’s something for the people to remember, man. I’m Mr. Bum Bum Bum.
What is the significance of Opa-Locka for you?
That’s the hood. That’s where I stay at. It’s home to me and I love it.
After BM3? I don’t know, man, more shit. It never stops. BM3 is the album, so we ain’t even gonna say nothing more.
We’re a fan of Lano’s EP with Nuez. Who else is in 275?
It’s only, like, four of us. HighAF, Lano, and Yung Icey Beats. 275 is just us. We’re just trying to run shit, man; stay afloat. We’ve been here. We ain’t some new niggas—we just out here; still touring. There’s a lot of niggas that fell off. I’m still here, you feel me?
You have been touring a lot more lately. What have been the highlights of being on the road?
Gahdamn, just seeing the fans in all of these different cities. You’d be surprised how many people come out sometimes. Between Texas and Cali, it’s pretty turnt—but everywhere is turnt to a certain degree. There’s also groupies everywhere. They are out there. I don’t have any horror stories, though. [Laughs]
I’m sure you partook in some legal cannabis consumption while you were performing in places like Denver. What has been your favorite strain?
Probably Girl Scout Cookies or Sour OG.
What music are you listening to right now?
I’ve been bumpin’ Thugger and Chief Keef, but I’ll listen to anything that sounds good.
What is the 2016 forecast for Yung Simmie?
I’m gonna get rich, fuck it. I’m gonna keep making music and working hard. Like I’ve said, I’ve been around. Fans know about me and my music—I’ve been dropping hits. I’m just gonna keep dropping them.
If you could describe your style, what would you say?
My shit is like, that painter who just didn’t give a fuck and stuck his hands in the paint and threw it on the canvas: Jackson Pollock. That’s me…Simmie Pollock.
It looks like the Buffet Boys were just in the studio with Getter: the West Coast electronic producer responsible for bangers like Pouya’s “Energy,” and “Hunnit Hunnit.” The new track, entitled “I Gotta,” is yet another display of the Buffet Boys’ ability to make simple, yet undeniably catchy songs. This time, Fat Nick leads the way with one of his signature trap hooks along with some trap bars, while Pouya comes in with relentless flows, sounding sharper than ever. Catch the Buffet Boys on tour in a city near you, and be on the lookout for more Buffet Boys coverage here on Citrus Rap.
PRODUCER: Wrathmatics UPCOMING PROJECT: #HEELtv RELEASE DATE: January 3, 2016
Tampa rapper Gat$ is gearing up to join fellow Floridians DoLA and Nik SB on the “Southern Hospitality Tour,” which hits Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville; presented by Apply Pressure Int’l and Pro Club Ent. Before he rocks these local crowds, the Drop City Savior lets loose a new track called “12 (MuriKKKan Dawgs).” California beatsmith Wrathmatics lends vibey production on this introspective cut that delves into the politically conscious mind of young Gat$by. Be on the lookout for #HEELtv dropping at the top of the new year, and catch him at a stage near you.
