By Derrius Edwards – @rawcommnc
Breaking the internet with the #CashTalkChallenge is the icing to this layered cake of hip-hop that SMRicco and SMTLow blended so masterfully. Collaborating with notable producer tandem Nard & B , these two cousins from Starkville, Mississippi lit a fire in the booth and left the mic smoking. From the throbbing 808 to the catchy cadence, the frequencies transmitted throughout the context of their new hit single “Cash Talk” are both euphoric and mesmerizing. In a world where exclusivity is embraced, these two artist construct a new narrative of inclusiveness that’s encouraging in all aspects; everybody splurge.
In this over-the-phone interview we were able to get a glimpse into the splurge-life.
Q: What inspired that name?
A: (Ricco) We came up with a lingo one day, it was called “splurge” and we ain’t want to call it splurge gang cause it’s already too many gangs out here.
(TLow) And the definition of splurge is, ya know how you got that drip, ya know like that sauce, like everything splurge, it’s just you.
Q: How did you get your start with music?
A: (Ricco) I’ve been dealing with music since a young age. Growing up in church and playing the keys is how I got started. The program I was using, I could record music and make beats.
(TLow) Me and Ricco linked up a while back. I had been recording for about 5 years, then when we found we were cousins that brought us closer.
Q: What inspires your creativity?
A: (Collectively) Seeing other people blow up from around this area. They managed just like how we managed, so if they can do it then I know we can do it too.
Q: Describe your music in 3 words
A: Inspiring, different, splurge (collective lol)
Q: What is “Splurge” ?
A: (Ricco) Splurge is I paid all my bills last week, so I got a check to blow this week. Everybody splurge, everybody got a lil’ splurge in em’.
(TLow) Splurge way the best way, splurge is the wave. Like you don’t gotta have a rollie to splurge, ya know what I’m saying.
Q: What is the #CashTalkChallenge?
A: (TLow) It’s based off a jigg me and Ricco came up with in the video, so everyone could have fun and get out the streets.
(YFN Sipp) Music and dance go together, so why not. Hip-hop started with beat boxing and break dancing, so it only makes sense.
Q: What about your new single “Cash Talk” & what was it like working with Nard & B?
A: (Ricco) It was a wonderful feeling working with Nard & B. Cash Talk came about running through beats and… (TLow interjects in saying)
(TLow) … nah bruh, if we gone keep it real, it wasn’t no running through beats. We played one beat and it was over with. It was the vibe honestly.
(YFN Sipp) I played 3 of they songs for Nard & B, to give them a feel of they sound and by the time they got in the studio, they already had a beat cooked up and the rest is history.
Q: Any noticeable differences between Mississippi’s music scene and Atlanta’s?
A: (Ricco) Everybody in Atlanta help each other, down here (Mississippi) it’s more jealousy and hate.
(TLow) You get more love from strangers than from people you grew up with.
Q: What exactly is “YFN”?
A: (YFN Sipp) Young Fly Ni**as , Lucci and his camp embraced me. Since I’m working with them and moving in the industry, I decided to go back to the hood and get somebody poppin’ to bring on board.
Q:What is interesting about the relationship y’all have with being relatives and making music?
A: (TLow) Ricco splurge one way and do his thing and I do mine. He has a sound that no one has. I come in behind that with the nitty gritty bars and make it work.
(Ricco) I like to come up with the rhymes and creative ways to approach the music.
Q: Any closing remarks?
A: (Collectively) Splurge 2 on the way, splurge way the best way ; everybody splurge.
