In "Where We At Now," emcees Rude and KeithElite trade off verses as they offer an introduction to The Rukus (which also features DJ Blenda on decks); dish out some good-natured (and justifiable) bravado as they compare past to present in the refrain ("We came a long way from playing the background / to where we at now, where they play the tracks loud / We came a long way from playing the background / Hip-hop music, we holding that down"); and reflect on the high quality caliber of their rhythms, rhymes and flow, regardless of whether they're performing for drinks at the bar, or improvising from the front row. Rude asserts, "I do this music for ya'lls amusement / and mine at the same time, put my all into it / As my catalog grows, my shows improvin'," while KeithElite remarks later, "I came a long way from playing the background / to where I'm at now, in a way I could back down / from any challenges that step in front of me / I sit so comfortably with who I've come to be."
"Where We At Now" is the first single off the Tampa hip-hop trio's long-awaited release, The Patience Project. The 16-track LP includes collaborations and guest appearances by fellow members of the Gwan Massive music crew, with several joining The Rukus for their album release party this Saturday night.
Details: The Rukus Album Release Party with Breakdown, Jinx, Spon and Road to the Riches, Sat., Sept. 3, 10 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $6 general/$10 includes hard copy of the album.
