When Lil Nas X took the world by storm with “Old Town Road” we thought we were hearing a blend of country and trap. We were, to a certain degree. Not until RMR released his debut single “Rascal” did we realize how far in that direction music could go.
RMR has taken it 100 steps further and brought something truly unique to music in 2020.
If you were to listen to the song with audio only you’d hear a fairly straight forward country song.
Yes, the lyrics definitely have trap music themes but there is no other indication that this is anything more than a country ballad with a different spin on lyrics and some vocal effects.
It’s my feeling that this isn’t a song that’s meant to be just heard. When you watch the accompanying music video, the track gets exponentially more confusing but also way more gratifying.
The video is a very standard trap music video, but when paired with the song it really is one of the most effective releases I’ve seen in quite some time.
Try to listen to this song twice and NOT get it stuck in your head.
With all the issues we saw surrounding Lil Nas X not being allowed on the Billboard Country charts, it definitely makes me wonder. “Rascal” is without a doubt a country song.
So is the fact that the music video conveys something different going to keep RMR out of the country charts as well? Only time will tell.
We do know that RMR has already had some problems with the song. After just a few days of being released, the “Rascal” video was taken down.
The accusation was that it sounded a little too similar to an old Rascal Flatt’s song. When you listen, it certainly sounds that way. But when you consider how many current pop artists blatantly rip off melodies from older songs it makes you wonder why RMR is being targeted.
The video is back up on The New Wave‘s YouTube channel and we’ll see what happens in the weeks to come.