So anyone who knows me, knows that all forms of Rock music are just as near and dear to my heart as all the forms of Hip-Hop music.  I am a rapper! I take pride in being a rapper. I literally feel like I have super powers as a emcee. That being said, its the influence from rock and alternative artist that really makes me different and unique. I know rappers find inspirations from all kinds of genres, and Rock/Alternative is my antithesis to hiphop.

So all this being said, one of the things that I KNOW is going to happen when I break into the rap game is that I'm going to get compared to Lil Uzi Vert. FIRST AND FOREMOST I WANT TO SAY THIS IS NOT A DISS TO Uzi.  I Fuck with Uzi heavy! I respect and do recognize him as being a pioneer for this raprock energy thats being bought into the game. So that being said, I definitely can understand why any guy or gal who comes into the rap game with rock and alternative influence is going to be compared to Uzi.

When Trippie Redd first came out earlier in 2017, a lot of people were starting to call him UZI 2.0 and he took offense to that. I understand why he took offense completely, especially me being a rapper myself. In this day of age though, when your a new artist, people need like a reference point bascially for what your sound is like until you build your brand bigger. So to be compared to Uzi is actually a compliment in my head now. Its a compliment because if Uzi is the number one person in that lane right now, than its good that, thats who Im getting compared to, is where my head is at.

Just know that I do not have any intentions to stand in his shadow and I plan on not only getting out of his shadow but being my own man. Thats where I hope Trippie Redd's head is at.

So, let me get to the point of this blog post. I AM NOT HATING ON UZI but I have to say, after deliberation, I truly think that Trippie Redd is the more skilled rapper.

Im not a hater ! I Can just read authenticity. From the time Lil Uzi Came out, I fucked with him, but his brand and image far as the rock stuff goes always seemed kinda inauthentic and gimmicky. Fashion and brandwise I can DEFINITELY see the rock influence, but when it came to the music? I just couldnt hear it. Songs like XO Tour Life definitely have the punk rock cadence and the emo energy, Ill def give him that.

But something I cant stand is when Rappers really claim the rock wave but dont put out any authentic rock music. I play guitar. I spent hours studying up on the culutre of rock music from the 50s through present day. I pay atttention to the authenticity of stuff in that realm basically and not to say that Uzi didnt do those things too. Im sure he genuinely does love Marilyn Manson and is inspired by Paramore BUT it still seemed like he was using the rock aspect as a gimmick for his brand and the influence wasnt showing in his music.

Fast foward to Trippie Redd breaking; like i said I AM NOT A HATER! Real Recognize Real. Trippie hasnt released not one rock song yet to my knowledge and he doesnt blatantly talk about him being a rock rapper or anything of that sort. BUT, I can listen to his music, I can listen to him speak in interviews, I can see his social media post, and I KNOW

I KNOW This nigga is REALLY about that rock and alternative life. Theres an authenticity to him to where me being a person who legit studied the culture, I know hes REALLY up on that rock shit, and its not gimmicky or disingenuous.It shows in his music , too.

Trippie Redd also has an amazing voice. That nigga sing better than me, I admit it! That boy can sing!!! lol He sings better than Uzi vert and comes up with better cadences in my opinion. I also beleive him to be a better song writer. I listen to a lot of Uzi songs and they be dope but Its almost like he wasnt even trying when he wrote it. He relies on his style/brand to carry himself basically. And thats totally fine, too. The most amazing part about that is that even when it seems hes not trying to write dope lyrics, he still makes hits. So hey, more power to him if he can make hits that way.

That being said though, I, as a songwriter myself, I pay attention and Trippie is amazing at fitting words into his cadences; and not just fitting words but using dope words and lines, etc, to fit into the cadence.

So in conclusion, I think there are 3 main elements to being an Emcee that will make or break you as a rapper. Your Vocal Abilities, Your Song Writing Abilities , and your Style/brand.

While Uzi has DEFINITELY built a strong brand for himself stylistically, I thnk Trippie has him beat as far as the other two elements: Vocal abilities and Song writing abilities. This is why I think Trippie Redd will be one of, if not THE best new coming rapper from his class.

Only time can tell and I'm hoping there will be plenty of room in the game for a new wave of Rap Rockers. Fuck that crab in the barrel mentality. I feel like we can make Rap Rock the new wave! Gotta do it together though.

Thanks for yalls time as always!

Peace, Love, And Light to all :)

- Max Ataraxis