R-Mean’s become an integral force of the diverse Los Angeles sound and its expansion in the past decade. The rapper’s Mean Mondays series became a staple at HNHH. For basically two years straight, R-Mean came through with a new track each year that proved he was a behemoth of an MC in his own right. Throughout the series, he tackled classic instrumentals from Nas and 2Pac while also collaborating with titans such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Krayzie Bone on “Real Ones.”
In 2020, the rapper showcased his strengths as a collaborator when he linked up with Berner on The Warning. The two West Coast rappers traded bars with other incredible MCs such as Styles P, Wiz Khalifa, and Dave East, among others. Then, he linked up with Justin Credible for Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean. The project boasted 11 songs with appearances from B-Real, Jay Critch, and BlocBoy JB, further propelling R-Mean into the limelight. However, he has some bigger things ahead of him in 2023.
R-Mean - “Charles Barkley” Ft. YG & Scott Storch
As R-Mean gears up for a new chapter in his career, he’s unveiled his brand new single, “Charles Barkley” ft. YG, produced by Scott Storch. The follow-up to “Lonely Day” is a vibrant West Coast banger that brings together the Los Angeles spirit to life, while jokingly playing homage to Chuck as YG raps, “Imma be old without a ring, Charles Barkley.” Storch’s infectious production merges dizzying flutes and looming bass for YG and R-Mean’s unmatched chemistry.
“He’s been the face of authentic West Coast music for a decade.” R-Mean said of YG in a statement. “Being from LA as well, it’s been an honor to get in the studio with him. Creating something that will undoubtedly bring the LA sound back to the clubs.”However, R-Mean credits the “Lean Back” producer for creating the soundscape that helped mesh his chemistry with YG on wax. “Scott Storch gave us the perfect backdrop where our respective styles could both shine,” he added. Storch will handle the production of R-Mean’s upcoming album, M.E.A.N., due out on April 14th.
Quotable Lyrics
R dash Mean, baby, who you ridin' with?
I ain't never tell a bitch I love her, just to try to hit
I ain't even try to fuck with drama, on a broke bitch
On the rise, like coke prices durin' Covid