There are certainly a lot of rappers that are emerging in the Alabama scene. However, you could argue that Rylo Rodriguez is the next man up. The Glass Window Entertaiment (Lil Baby) signee does have a fairly limited catalog for someone who’s been around since 2018. However, these last couple years have shown he’s really coming into his own as an artist. He draws some inspiration from current and fellow Southern hip-hop legends like Future. You can definitely hear the influence on the latest Rylo Rodriguez single “85 Cutlass”.
It’s probably the most apparent toward the backend of the track, especially in the way his delivery sounds with the auto-tuned melodies. They do say the imitation is the greatest form of flattery. In terms of solo releases this year, this is Rylo’s first, surprisingly. 2024 seems to be a year of making connections for him, as he’s been on a feature rampage. He’s worked with Mobile native NoCap on multiple occasions, especially for his recent LP, Before I Disappear Again. Furthermore, he has work with Veeze, YTB Fatt, and Lil Baby. However, “85 Cutlass” may be his best work so far, as fans are loving the personal bars about fake friends, certain life experiences and advice and more. See why it has over half a million views in such a short time with the link below.
Stupid ho, my grandma sayin’ you ‘posed to love all people But I put a ticket on n****s’ head, gram’ when their hearts stop beatin’ Shot my dog, put pressure on his wound, my boy stopped bleedin’ Roger Williams Projects, I used to look up to Cool J and lil’ one, easy My main bro, he made one call to get off your pass I bought codeine from a crackhead and told off her name
It’s been two years since Alabama rapper NoCap dropped his debut album Mr. Crawford, a project that debuted in the top-10 of the Billboard 200 chart and ensured he’d be a mainstay in the hip-hop community. NoCap’s The Main Bird EP arrived to close 2022, but what came next was a period of silence that only recently came to an end thanks to the long-awaited release of his sophomore album Before I Disappear Again.
“Some people feel like they find themselves when they turn 18 or something, but I don’t think that,” NoCap tells Uproxx as he reflects on his quiet 2023 year. “I’m 25 and I’m still finding myself. I’ve just been working on myself as far as being a father. Even with this cup, I’ve been trying to put that down [and] get better with that. I’ve just been having some me time, but I’m ready to get back to it.”
Before I Disappear Again arrives to add on to what’s been a special year for NoCap. Two months ago, the rapper and his girlfriend gave birth to their first son, Grenayde. “It’s new for me, it’s my first kid, it’s my girl’s first kid too, so it’s new to both of us,” Still, some things have been an easy adjustment for the “Very Special” rapper. “I been not getting no sleep, so it’s cool,” he says with a laugh. “Sometimes, you just got to wake up, do what you got to do, but it’s been smooth overall.”
Together with the release of Before I Disappear Again, Uproxx caught up with NoCap to talk about the new album, his support from fans, music with longtime collaborator Rylo Rodriguez, and why he’s happy to make up for lost time with his fans.
What’s the meaning behind this album’s title, Before I Disappear Again?
Like you said, I’ve been gone for two, three years working on myself [laughs]. Ain’t no telling when I might have to do that again. Hopefully, I don’t disappear again too soon, but ain’t no telling when I have to go back and work on myself again. Yeah, we artists, but at the same time, we live real life. We’re human, we’re not robots. I just get back in that work mode, sometimes I’m worried about myself. That’s all that’s about really.
On “Far From Nigeria,” you say, “Nigeria’s so far from Alabama I swear, but I would visit just to have a talk with Mohbad.” What’s inspired your interest in the country and have you been able to visit?
I ain’t been able to visit because I don’t have my passport due to jail and sh*t. I can get my passport, I’m able to get it, I just ain’t took the time out. We were DMing and sh*t probably like a couple days before that sh*t even happened. When I heard his music, it’s crazy how you can understand somebody way on the other side of the country.
I always wanted to visit Nigeria, because I can run through my comments and DMs all day, and that’s all I see like, “Come to Nigeria, come to Nigeria.” I can’t wait to do that, and I really wanted to talk to Mohbad on some one-on-one time and we were gonna do music together, that’s a true statement. I would have visited to holla at him for sure, and I said that because in our last couple of DMs, he was like, “Hey, give me a call. We need to talk.” So, that’s why I said in that song, “I’ll visit just to talk to Mohbad.”
You remixed D’Yani’s “Feelings” on your album. How did you come across that song and what made you want to put out your own version of it?
I remember a nail got in my tire. I remember being at the tire shop, I had just got my tire done and sh*t, and my girl was on the Bluetooth. The song was playing, I never heard the song, but I was vibing to the song. So she looked at me and laughed like I was joking. I’m like, nah, I really f*ck with this song. I just heard him, his vocals, and sh*t, and how the song was vibing. Jada Kingdom, she’s on the original version, so I had DM’ed him ASAP like, bro, I love this song, send me the open verse [and] let me replace Jada verse. Jada verse hard, but I heard myself on it too. He sent it to me, I knocked it out, sent it back to him, and I told him I’ll put it on the album. He said it’s a go.
I really think it’s different because the song is already out, usually people don’t do that. I just felt like I could add some more to it [and] get a US fan base on it. Jada, she’s from out the country too, so I just felt like it’ll put a street-slash-US fan base on it. I never had that international verse, so I needed that. Shoutout D’Yani for sure.
There’s a funny clip at the end of “Judge The Jury” with a fan voicing their support for you, going as far as to say they’d go broke to see you. What do die-hard fans like this mean to you on your journey as an artist?
It mean everything, bro. I remember when it was a time when nobody gave a f*ck. So no matter how far I get, I always take myself out them shoes and realize my music really helps people, it really heals people. That’s why I be rushing to get this music out, too. I usually don’t do too much promo and no interviews, none of that, because I really just be so focused on the music bro, and trying to feed my fans with the music because I feel like there’s certain sh*t they never gave a damn about. They just want to hear me rapping. So when fans do stuff like that, it mean everything to me. To walk in these venues and sell these venues out alone on my own tour, I don’t have to be on nobody tour — it’s good for me to be on other people tour — but even when I’m alone, without dropping music, I can still go sell these venues out. My fans, that’s who pay me, and I pay them back.
You have two songs with Rylo on this project, which adds to a long list of collabs you have together. What makes it so easy with between y’all when it comes to making it music and could we see another project from you two in the future?
You gonna see Rogerville 2 from us, for sure. We’ve been doing it before anything. We was locking in every night with Gino. Ain’t too much going on in the city, we really ain’t got nothing else to do but hit the studio six, seven at night to 10 in the morning. We sleeping on the floor in the studio, like this was around them times, we waking up recording. We just locked in all night.
I always knew we had the vision, I ain’t gonna say I knew how big it would get, but I always knew we had the vision. Sometimes, I just be wanting our respect. The stamp we put on this game, I don’t feel like we get the [respect] that we should get. We been locked in, so every time we do lock in now, it’s still the same — it ain’t nothing different. That’s still my brother, it’s love. He working, I’m working, but when we link up, we still coming. Rogerville every time.
What would you say is the biggest difference in the experience you had crafting Mr. Crawford versus the experience you had making Before I Disappear Again?
That was the beginning stage of me trying to turn into a business. That’s why I named that Mr. Crawford. That was the beginning stage of that. Now, I’m to the point where I feel like I’ve handled a small portion of that, so now I can really focus back on this music.
I just feel like it’s for everybody bro. I got four trap songs, I got four acoustic songs, I got four girl songs spaced out for everybody. I feel like whoever clicks on this album will be able to at least like four songs if you don’t like certain types of genres. It’s all types of genres on there, there’s something everybody can get with.
Through the highs and lows of being an artist, what keeps you going and wanting to continue making music and project after project?
Really because at this point, besides my son bro, music is the only thing a n**** got. That’s why I put my heart into it so much. I just appreciate my fans so much, that’s why I gotta keep going. I done seen n****s get in this game [and then] two, three years [later], you never hear from them again. For me to still be lasting without dropping music, it let me know it’s destined for me. Some fans wouldn’t give a f*ck about another artist not dropping. The comments, it be a little discouraging sometimes, but at the same time, I always look at them like they still waiting on me. It’s a lot of people who they not waiting on. That’s really what keeps me going.
What’s up next for you now that this album is finally coming out into the world?
For sure, touring out the gate, gotta go see the world again. Gotta go see the people who love me. If I don’t do my tour first, I might jump on Rod Wave’s tour and then come back and do my own tour.
Before I Disappear Again is out now via Atlantic Records. Find out more information here.
Veeze is someone who took full advantage of a down year for rap in 2023. However, that is not to discredit his Gangeralbum. Overall, it was one that made a lot of end-of-year lists for hip-hop across the web, including ours. The Detroit MC’s sleepy and nonchalant flows are ones that usually get overlooked, generally speaking. An approach like that usually gets associated with mumble rappers who have little to offer lyrically. However, he proves that he is someone that you cannot judge too harshly on the surface. Veeze continues to evolve and “F*cked A Fan” is one sample of that growth process.
What the “GOMD” rapper is focusing on topically in 2024 is dealing with all of this newfound fame. His first release of this year, “Pop Yo S***”, seems him accept the place he is in right now. “F*cked A Fan”, which features Rylo Rodriguez, continues this more hype and “I’m the s***” energy. The beat, like most Veeze selections, is pure gas. Triumphant and glitchy tones, booming bass and 808s, and resonant kicks all unite for a grand trap and celebratory track for Veeze.
Listen To “F*cked A Fan” By Veeze & Rylo Rodriguez
Quotable Lyrics:
If I had a dollar for every faithful b**** in the world, my account would be empty (Account would be empty) She gave me head, my wrist on presidential, it’s giving me Monica Lewinsky Too many fish in the sea, if she want Shark Lock boots, I’ll buy her Givenchy (Yeah) Rap s***, I had to make it, my hype man a felon, he couldn’t even fly to the venue (Yeah) B**** don’t like porcelain, I get her dental implants, she ain’t never coppin’ no bridge (Yeah) I left some shakes on the hardwood floor at the studio, but I ain’t never droppin’ no mid
Detroit rapper Veeze and Alabama rapper Rylo Rodriguez have a promising 2024 year ahead of them, and their new collaboration “F*cked A Fan” is a great sign of what’s to come. The duo originally teased the track back in February and it was met with immediate praise as fans begged for its release. Months later, the song is here complete with a matching visual that pairs well with the song’s flashy and boisterous feel. The visual captures Veeze and Rylo boasting about their fulfilled fantasies as they rap in front of their Tesla Cyber Trucks and play basketball on a nearby court. Lil Baby also makes an appearance in the video, bringing his modified red and black Cyber Truck to the car show.
The new song and video follows a bit of work from the rappers in 2024. It follows Veeze’s “Pop Yo Sh*t” track which served as his first official release of the year while Rylo’s recent work placed him beside 42 Dugg as well as YTB Fatt on a pair of tracks: “In The Air” and “Pretty Air.” Veeze and Rylo’s 2023 years were both impressive and both rappers shined with their albums, Been One and Ganger, respectively.
YTB Fatt for the last year and change has been putting in the work to separate himself from the crowded Memphis rap scene. His cadence is a fairly unique twist on the husky and intimidating deliveries we are accustomed to from the city. Additionally, he possesses a solid ear for instrumentals, as shown with his single “Brazi Blue Cheese” back in March. He usually goes for extremely dark and murderous tones that are synonymous with the current trap scene. Fatt especially has a fondness for beats that include heavy piano keys, but on his latest single, he is going for a slightly different approach.
On “In The Air,” YTB Fatt opts for the traditional Southern hip-hop sound, while throwing in a looping guitar riff that weaves in and out. His close collaborator, klutchfrenchie, is credited once again as the producer this time around. However, YTB is teaming up with a new face as well for this single as well. This time, the up-and-coming star is hitting the booth with Alabama MC, Rylo Rodriguez.
Listen To “In The Air” By YTB Fatt & Rylo Rodriguez
His one-of-a-kind cadence adds some extra emotion to the already moody and melodic cut, so he was a perfect get for this one. “In The Air” supersedes a plethora of singles from YTB. 2024 looks to be another loaded year, as this comes after “I Luv U,” “Brazi Blue Cheese,” “Same,” “Backstabbin,” and “One Mo.” Not to mention, he has been active with his feature output too, linking with OT7 Quanny and DeeBaby, for example. Be sure to check out this new cut with the link above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “In The Air” by YTB Fatt and Rylo Rodriguez? Is this one of his stronger releases as of late, why or why not? Do you think he is getting ready for another new project soon? Who had the better performance on the track? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding YTB Fatt and Rylo Rodriguez. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
With Lil Baby’s It’s Only Us Tour entering its final month, some fans are still wondering who the four opening acts are. As the original subheadliner, The Kid Laroi, dropped out before the tour began, and Lil Baby himself doesn’t take the stage until about 9:30 pm, it’s understandable that concertgoers might want to know more about the artists taking the stage before him. Here are the opening artists on Lil Baby’s It’s Only Us Tour.
Hunxho is another Atlanta trap artist who operates in the same vein as rap crooners like Future and Rich Homie Quan. He’s a prolific creator, releasing three projects in 2023 alone, and has begun gaining more prominence thanks to his featured appearance on Quavo’s new album, Rocket Power.
Gloss Up is a Memphis rapper who happens to be GloRilla’s best friend and Lil Baby’s labelmate on Quality Control. She’s shown up on tracks with the likes of Lakeyah and Sexyy Red, and has a growing following based on her relatable ratchet raps.
Rylo Rodriguez is an artist on Lil Baby’s 4 Pockets Full imprint, who gained a certain amount of online infamy with the goofy cover for his mixtape, GOAT In Human Form. The hilarity was amplified with the revelation that he didn’t even realize GOAT is an acronym for “Greatest Of All Time” until this year.
Finally, there’s GloRilla, whose hit song “FNF” made her one of hip-hop’s hottest it-girls last year. She signed with CMG and is currently working on her debut album, looking to build on her successful breakout with some more Dirty South favorite Memphis trap swings like “Lick Or Sum” with Moneybagg Yo.
Capitol Music Group/Motown Records have entered into a partnership with Glass Window Entertainment, LLC – the label founded by Dominique Jones, also known as the chart-topping artist Lil Baby. Rylo Rodriguez is the first artist signed to Glass Window Entertainment/Motown Records. Been One, Rodriguez’s new album, recently debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200.
“We are excited to welcome Dominique, Rylo and the Glass Window Entertainment team to Capitol Music Group/Motown Records,” said Michelle Jubelirer, Chair & CEO, Capitol Music Group. “Glass Window and Virgin Records have done a phenomenal job introducing Rylo. We’re thrilled to support this remarkable artist and upcoming Glass Window releases.”
“I’m overly excited for Rylo and for his fans and the world to really get to see him on a larger platform! It’s been a long time coming with Rylo and even longer to go! We got work to do and money to get!” says Dominique Jones. “Thank you to Motown/Capitol Music Group and Universal Music Group for trusting my process and I’m looking forward to a wonderful partnership!”
A funny thing that happens sometimes is when words — especially slang terms — get overused to the point that they lose their meaning. One recent example of this phenomenon might be the word “woke,” which has been run into the ground by conservative talking heads who constantly reveal they have no clue what it even means.
Another one might be “GOAT.” An acronym meaning “greatest of all time,” the term’s been applied to athletes and entertainers so much that some of them have apparently begun taking on the title without even understanding the acronym. In a recent interview with Lil Baby and his artist Rylo Rodriguez, the latter rapper revealed this has been the case for him, despite his using the term in one of his album titles and even pairing it with a hilarious album cover that got him roasted on Twitter at the time.
Rylo Rodriguez told Lil Baby he never knew what GOAT meant until now
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) July 12, 2023
Appearing on the “GOAT Talk” segment for Complex, the two rappers were supposed to debate the greatest things like restaurants and female rappers. After Rylo asks Baby about the latter and he ruminates on his answer, the younger rapper’s mind is blown when he realizes what the term means. ““Damn, I ain’t even know G.O.A.T. meant greatest of all time,” he admits. “How the hell you ain’t know what G.O.A.T. means?” replies Baby.
Rodriguez explains, “I just thought you the goat … I used to always think that like, ‘What the hell’s a goat?’ Nah, I get it now. One day I was like, ‘Man, why you wanna be a goat?’”
That puts this cover into perspective:
Rylo Rodriguez dropped his debut album so let’s take a moment to appreciate his original album cover pic.twitter.com/6o4Q5cKPXC
Naturally, Rylo is once again catching funny flak on Twitter for his faux pas, but this could turn out to be a good thing for him. After all, he did just recently release his new project Been One, which will undoubtedly get more attention as a result. Maybe this is just the GOAT album promo. You can see some more responses to Rylo and Baby’s convo below.
Rylo Rodriguez may be from the country town of Mobile, Alabama, but his story is felt in ghettos worldwide. It’s no secrete why Lil Baby added him to Four Pockets Full label. Rylo Rodriguez speaks for the streets but from the soul, and it’s evident in the new video “Benz Truck.”
In the video for “Benz Truck,” Rylo only needed white studio space and b roll footage. Over a soft guitar-driven production, he used authentic next-level lyricism to one of his many hood tales. True, he’s rapping on “Benz Truck,” but his sound is so intimate that it comes off as poetry. Southern folk rap poetry.
“Tell him get up off that block, go invest in him some stocks Under the house, I hid the street sweeper, we ain’t need no mop Imagine tryna feed people who don’t got an appetite The ones I love left me, I pray one day, we gon’ make it right”
It’s uncertain if the 4PF artist has a project coming out, but “Benz Truck” is only the second single this year from Rylo Rodriguez. Earlier this year, he released “Set Me Free.”
(@big_business_) 
(@gg3timez) 
