Released: April 5, 2024

Genre: Hip-Hop / Electronic

From: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Label: Self-released

A few thoughts: By Storm (formally Injury Reserve) member RiTchie has been one of my favourite vocalists in recent years. His introspective and vulnerable lyricism about his own mental health and state of mind is admirable, with a passion on the mic that shines through. By The Time I Get To Phoenix was a monumental project, with grief being the central theme of the album after Stepa J. Groggs’ tragic passing a few years ago. RiTchie has found new life as a solo artist, with his new 14-track album Triple Digits [112] being a vibrant, experimental project taking inspiration from a lot of the sounds Injury Reserve have refined in the past, with eclectic, animated and electronic production, as RiTchie’s fleshes out his thoughts on lush and moody production. After the 50-second “Wings [Intro]”, the album launches itself into “WYTD?!?!” where he’s questioning what people are trying to do with their time, having no patience for bullshit in his life. “RiTchie Valens” is a highlight on the album, with swirling synths and a squeaky vocal sample shouting “Ritchieeee” that gives this track and animated, playful tone. “Triple Digits [112]” has these disorienting and heavy synths, with his husky, emphatic delivery. The lightness and soul of “Dizzy” featuring a stellar verse Aminé is another highlight on the album, with an emphatic energy to it. The ambience and subtle glitchiness of “Looping” is incredible too, while “How?!” featuring Niontay is another great track, with a melodic and dynamic beat, its hi-hats and hard-hitting drums complementing the revealing verses from both of these talented emcees. “Get A Fade” is a melodic, spacey track with emphatic singing that perfectly complements the light energy of the track, while the animated “The Things” featuring Quelle Chris is another highlight, with humorous verses about the things people do for themselves, often for money. “5onthe.” is another incredible track, with immersive soulful synths and a disorienting beat that is complemented by RiTchie’s playful singing and rapping throughout. The emotion pours through on this one too, with vocal effects and warm production making this an introverted, insular track. It’s a great way to close the album out, just before “[Credits]” he lists everyone involved with the making of this album.Triple Digits [112] showcases RiTchie’s effortless songwriting, with a vulnerability to it that is refreshing and a sound that is experimental yet warm and inviting.

The album: