RetroI$Awesome hits airwaves once more with a solid banger titled “AIGHT BET.” In one minute and thirty-four seconds, the “GHO$T” rapper shows that he’s unfazed by smack-talkers. The track ultimately tells haters to take that negative energy elsewhere. Instead of addressing RetroI$Awesome directly, naysayers choose to speak behind a computer screen.
Additionally, he forewarns natural successors to protect their positive energy at all costs and to just “charge it to the game.” Like James Franco says in the movie, The Interview, “they hate us cause they ain’t us.” An opposer’s envy stems from a lack of accomplishments, authenticity, skill, good looks, drip, and finances.
The $WISHTAPE emcee showcases his versatility between a bouncy flow, a catchy hook, and a no-nonsense approach. Furthermore, the beat uses a thumping bassline, laser beam recordings, a menacing piano number, and hi-hats.
RetroI$Awesome’s favorite line from “AIGHT BET” goes, “Rap game like the trap game/I just serve em what they need; then I get the cash mane.” He also adds that rap icon Nas gave us this P.S.A. long ago. RetroI$Awesome is simply re-instating it for those who might’ve forgotten.
The visual for “AIGHT BET” sees RetroI$Awesome on the go. Given the context clues, it looks like his first stop is the train station. While RetroI$Awesome talks that talk, he dons a dark green puffer jacket, a blue fitted cap, a white jacket with what seems to be multi-colored skeletons, Nike joggers, and a gold watch. The visual also uses cool text effects and other elements. Throughout “AIGHT BET,” viewers can expect to see ransom-inspired lettering, zig-zagged laser beams, and newspaper cut-outs.
More recently, RetroI$Awesome dropped a project called IT’S NOT YOU. IT’S ME on Valentine’s Day. He also released “GHO$T,” which features Henny Blanco. Previously, I mentioned that “his approach towards hip-hop and life contrasts with the average person’s way of thinking,” and it still rings true. Through an honest tonality, energetic rhyme delivery, and natural swagger, RetroI$Awesome hints that the key to life is ‘less stress and more checks.’ To add, he shows that it’s not hard to obtain. All you have to do is strive for greatness, and the rest will follow! Listen to “AIGHT BET” by RetroI$Awesome here:
You can also read more about what RetroI$Awesome has been up to since last year and the techniques behind his music below:
Me: How have things been for you since last year’s Dinner & A Movie W/ DJ Suss One?
RetroI$Awesome: Everything’s been great. I can’t complain. I’ve been staying focused and counting my blessings every day. Seriously.
Me: As of late, I see that you dropped a mixtape titled IT’S NOT YOU. IT’S ME. Could you tell me about the creating process and one song you enjoyed making most out of the two on the project?
RetroI$Awesome: Yes, sure! When I recorded these songs, I was a few months out of a relationship. I spent a lot of that time by myself, trying to figure out who I was and what values I believed in. After giving myself time to understand who I was, I was able to gain a lot of clarity on why things were a certain way in my life. I never took accountability for my past actions, so the tape is me getting everything off my chest. It was therapy for sure. I like both of the tracks off IT’S NOT YOU. IT’S ME, but if I had to choose, I would say I enjoyed creating “R.I.P” a little bit more. I chose this song, in particular, because I put the melodies on it, and that’s not something I do too often.
Me: One line you resonate with off of “R.I.P”:
RetroI$Awesome: “I can’t let a day go by without no income/ Already rich inside, but, I need the millions and some.” This line means that I live by a different set of rules than most. If no money is made from the time I wake up to the time I fall asleep, it was an unproductive day. I’m not rich yet, but at the same time, my bank account doesn’t dictate how I feel/move. In my mind, I’m already living lavishly. Life will catch up when it’s my time. Until then, we’re still flexing, getting fly, and living life to the fullest. To me, that’s the real meaning of being a baller.
Me: Have you performed at any shows recently? How did you like the energy if so?
Retroi$Awesome: Yes! I have been running around New Jersey and New York, doing shows, whenever it makes sense. The energy and shows have been amazing. To add, I love meeting new people who feel me through my music.
Me: A goal of yours this year:
RetroI$Awesome: To reach a million streams.
Me: Explain the energy between you and Henny Blanco when creating “GHO$T”:
RetroI$Awesome: People may not know this but, Blanco and I have known each other since the 6th grade. That’s my homie in real life, so it’s only going to show on the record.
Me: How do you create in the studio?
RetroI$Awesome: I only record in one studio because I feel like consistency is vital—shoutout Rush Studios. While I’m creating, I need gas in my system. Sometimes, I like to have a few people in the studio with me. I enjoy seeing them vibe to whatever I’m recording that night. Vibes and energy are essential.
Me: What’s the message behind “AIGHT BET”?
RetroI$Awesome: The message is never to go back-and-forth with a hater. If somebody doubts you for whatever reason, give a simple reply. Take that energy and make them look crazy when you did what they said you couldn’t do. On a personal level. I need the extra motivation of someone doubting me in order to get the max out of my potential.
Me: How would you describe “AIGHT BET” (sound-wise)?
RetroI$Awesome: AWESOME (Side note: I’m going to say it expands your mind, Retro will get my drift.)
Me: What’s next for RETROI$AWESOME?
RetroI$Awesome: More music and videos. I also have a clothing line on the way and a movie.
