MP3: RJD2 & STS – “High Life”

Debuted by Okayplayer, Producer/Rapper Duo RJD2 & STS Release Luxurious Loose Single

06.11.2015

Critical Praise for RJD2 and STS:

“The album shuffles between moody, soulful beats and triumphant, horn-anchored tracks” – Rolling Stone

“RJ’s well able to inject spirit and spontaneity into tunes new and old in the live setting, certainly better than most beatmakers and producers out there” – Philadelphia Weekly

“[STS is] unique in style, creative in approach” – Red Bull Sound Select

“STS has the best of both worlds as far as what he offers as an MC: consistent bars, dazzling wordplay, and a Southern bravado” – HipHopWired

The Song:

Frequent collaborators RJD2 and STS come together once again for their dream-filled single, “High Life.” Premiered by Okayplayer, the “lavish and soulful bonus cut,” which symbolizes STS’s aspirations of a life of luxury and comfort, is assisted by RJD2’s elegant production. RJD2’s use of piano riffs, frequent chime rolls, and boom-bap style drum kick, make way for STS’s talk of first class flights, penthouses, and beautiful women. In each chorus, STS raps, “I want the high life/I feel as though I know where I am headed but this is my life,” and, by the song’s conclusion, the duo persuade you not only to believe in their goal but also might just convince you to want to join them. Although the track currently doesn’t have a home on any upcoming EP or album, its upbeat and ambitious atmosphere should hold you for the rest of the summer.

Last month, Philadelphia-based producer/rapper duo RJD2 and STS released their triumphant self-titled collaborative album with a premiere via The A.V. Club, who raved “…simultaneously raucous and melodic, the record takes rap and tips it on its head a bit, blending everything from Ludacris to The Impressions.” In an interview with Complex, the duo spoke on the process of creating RJD2 x STS and working together to become a musical force unlike anything else in hip-hop today. “You take the rap style, the way that I rap, you put me on a beat and I could just go all day ’cause I can rap. That’s what Philly is and that’s what rappers in Philly do: They rap,” STS explained. “There was no thinking: This is the best work to date that I have ever done! As soon as we started doing the music, I was like, yeah, this is it… Basically, yes this is the best joint ever. I’m smiling ear-to-ear. This is crazy. It’s a work of art. That’s what it is, a great work of art.”

Listen to “High Life”: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/high-life/

Check out the Okayplayer premiere: http://www.okayplayer.com/news/rjd2-sts-high-life-mp3.html

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with RJD2 and STS.

RJD2 Background:

RJD2, a transplant via Ohio, has a history spanning back to the late 90’s indie hip-hop scene. After notable stops on both the Definitive Jux and XL labels, he ventured forth with his own label in 2009 (RJ’s Electrical Connections, which brings you this fine piece of work today). With a catalog of albums running back to 2002, he likely qualifies as an underground vet at this stage of his career. With the tunes“Ghostwriter” and the “A Beautiful Mine,” aka the Mad Men theme making their rounds on TV, his reach has continually spread beyond the sold out club dates and festival appearances of the last decade+.

STS Background:

STS, aka Sugar Tongue Slim, is an Atlanta transplant who found himself amidst the orbit of Dre andVidal, Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, and the cast of players that were in and out of Larry Gold’s “The Studio.”This led to being a writer on Ciara’s “Oh,” working intimately with Def Jam. He was first introduced to the public on The Roots‘ Grammy-Nominated release, How I Got Over, where he was featured on the cuts, “Right On” and “Hustla.” Later that month he released Demand More II featuring the underground hits, “The People” and “In For The Kill.” He soon brought his G.O.L.D act to stage, setting off sold out shows for acts such as Travis Barker, 50 Cent, J-Cole, Big Sean, B.O.B and The Roots among others. That buzz resulted in a spotlight on MTV2’s Sucker Free Sunday as the featured act for XXL’s Show & Prove segment.