For the better part of the past three years, "trap" has referred to much more than the music of Young Jeezy, T.I., Gucci Mane, etc. Beats like Baauer's "Harlem Shake" and RL Grime's remix to Kanye West's "Mercy" have ignited dance-floors and festivals using the same label to describe their sound.
Since then, RL Grime has turned from a side project to a multi-sensory artistic outlet for Henry Steinway, who's dark and gritty aesthetic comes to live via futuristic imagery and mammoth beats. He's remixed the likes of Chief Keef, Rihanna, Drake, Young Thug, Travi$ Scott and more, and has also collaborated with Big Sean, Tory Lanez, and How To Dress Well on his newest album Void.
RL Grime shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, the DJ/producer's name is getting bigger and bigger, and he's been selling out shows all over the world lately. Let's dive into his 10 most essential tracks!Ka
Kanye West - Mercy (RL Grime & Salva Remix)
RL Grime's fast-track to success really started with this collaborative remix with Salva. They took that catchy intro from Kanye's massive hit "Mercy" and flipped it into a track that every DJ was playing during summer of 2012. The crowds went wild every single time.
Rihanna - Pour It Up (RL Grime Remix)
Rihanna got the remix treatment from RL Grime too. Her song "Pour It Up" turned in to a moody dance anthem with a little nudge from Steinway.
Chief Keef - Love Sosa (RL Grime Remix)
You can't forget the "Love Sosa" remix, which we named better than the original to much controversy. The song turns us up...what can we say?
Hit play and do the same...
RL Grime - Because of U
Although he's somewhat of a remix king, RL Grime also makes some incredible cuts of his own. "Because of U" is soulful and almost ambient, but packs a punch as well.
RL Grime & What So Not - Tell Me
"Tell Me" is a similar cut to "Because of U," only the drop is revved up about tenfold. Collaborating with Aussie producer What So Not, Steinway struck again with this epic banger.
RL Grime - Core
And then RL Grime introduced the world to Void, a tightly curated concept of futuristic sound and visuals. "Core" turns the hype up to 11, and establishes RL as one of the leading producers in the game.
RL Grime - Scylla
"Scylla" was the third single off Void, and fallows along the same lines stylistically. It feels like the anthem to an intergalactic space war...
RL Grime featuring Big Sean - Kingpin
Linking up with Big Sean was a big move for RL Grime. Instead of remixing a rap banger, he made an original one alongside the Detroit MC.
RL Grime - Always
While most of Void is super turnt up, there's some great ambiance on there as well. "Always" can go in the chill playlists while the other stuff is peak-time party music.
Tory Lanez - In For It [Prod. RL Grime]
RL Grime hooked up with Canadian up-and-comer Tory Lanez for a spicy, alternative R&B track. Maybe these two should link up more often!