Rap has it’s weirdos and unique figures. It also has its strict lyricists and ordinary figures. Rarely can you see an artist that ties into both crowds. RetcH, a young rapper out New Jersey has managed to fit into both crowds with his ability to produce a gritty and dark sound with a New York/East Coast style and flow, and a distinct character with lyrics that consist of things that other rappers don’t really talk about. RetcH was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. He didn’t start out rapping as a kid, and didn’t start actually attempting to rap until he was 17. He and his frequent collaborator and close friend Da$H began recording and moving from studio to studio recording together.

RetcH began to flock attention in his area, then soon spread all over the country. His first glimpse under the limelight was in 2013 when he dropped his breakout tape ‘Polo Sporting Goods’ produced by Chicago native and SaveMoney artist Thelonious Martin. He received attention from many blogs and received props from rappers across the country as well. The project featured Da$H and Action Bronson. Songs like ‘Special Jim’ demonstrate his effortlessly smooth flow and creative mind that produce his amazing storytelling. He lives through things that other rappers merely talk about, which gives him a great deal of wisdom when he tells his stories. His debut album ‘Finesse The World’, which was released in 2015, show his progress as an artist and a significant difference in sound. The flow and lyricism stuck with him, yet the production switches everything. On some tracks such as ‘Hunnid Bandz’ his flow is smooth and it sounds less New York-esque. More grimy, less gritty. His latest project titled ‘Lean & Neck’ was released in January 2016. Same RetcH, yet once again different sound. The project sounds like he adapted to the times, and in songs like ‘Couple Strap’ he trades in his old east coast flow for a new school flow.

RetcH was locked up shortly after the release of ‘Lean & Neck’, as he was charged with armed robbery. He has since been bailed out, but has yet to release any insight on his upcoming project. However, in an interview with No Jumper while RetcH was locked up, Da$H mentioned that him and RetcH both have individual projects in the works and that they have a collab project in the works as well.  I asked some Whitney Young students about RetcH and got mixed opinions. Junior Hannon Wilson said “Yeah I heard his stuff. He’s smooth, [RetcH] got a nice flow.” Senior JeQuan Sailes-Irving said “[RetcH] is very complex, and his style is gritty and has New York/East Coast implemented in it heavy. RetcH is the face of New Jersey rap.” Sophomore Phil Denne asked “Who is that?” Whenever RetcH’s new music graces the world wide web, you can almost be certain that he will have changed his sound, and that he’ll still have those effortless flows and unique bars. Whether you’re a fan or not, you should be listening, because either way RetcH is on the come up.

Image from: http://www.bombayknox.com/blog/2015/6/30/retch-finesse-the-world