Prince Ri’s journey into the world of hip-hop has been nothing close to perfect. Hailing from Racine, Prince Ri has faced his share of challenges and legal troubles, but he’s now locked into the studio full-time. The up-and-comer brings his high-level story-telling to the table. In his newest single “Used To Be Stealing,” he shares his personal path from a life of crime to a life more focused on developing as an artist.
The beat of “Used To Be Stealing” is reminiscent of classic drill production, with rumbling drums that engulf the melody. This choice of production underscores Prince Ri’s roots and the influence of the Chicago rap scene on his style with production assistance from Munnie773. Ri directly mentions collaborating with Munnie773, rapping, “Hit up Munnie for the studio, go stupid with the wax.” He also draws inspiration from real-life situations and cultural references, further enhancing the vividness of his storytelling. Lines like, “Cuz’ shoot like Ron Artest, like DJ Khaled, we the best,” transport the listener into the heart of his narrative.
Beyond that, Prince Ri’s lyrics in “Used to Be Stealing” are striking in their unfiltered nature. In a genre where artists often portray a carefully constructed image, Prince Ri dares to speak his truth, sharing experiences that are rarely heard in today’s rap music. His reference to the streets as “checkers, not chess” is a powerful metaphor. In the game of checkers, the rules are simpler, the moves are more immediate, and the consequences can be harsh. It reflects the stark reality of street life, where decisions often have immediate and brutal outcomes. The up-and-coming MC’s choice of metaphor illustrates the unforgiving nature of the streets and the need to navigate it with precision.
TAKEAWAY: Used to Be Stealing” is a hard-hitting, candid, and unfiltered confession of a life marked by its gritty, real-world experiences. Prince Ri’s willingness to speak his truth and share his past, in all its rawness, offers listeners a refreshing and genuine perspective on the streets.
Stream “Used To Be Stealing” below.
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