Features

illMatic: Detroit Group Teams with Aztek the Barfly on “Rat Traps” (VIDEO PREMIERE)

Photo: Augustine Cruz

illMatic have been fusing together metallic hardcore and hip-hop since forming in the summer of 2021. Their stylistic approach has inspired comparisons to the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Biohazard, and downset.

Last year, illMatic inked a deal with Upstate Records, a label that also counts Fury of Five, Kind Eyes, and Bushido Code on their roster.

The first release through the partnership comes later this month when illMatic drops their debut album, Watching the World Burn. Revving up to its release, the group is unleashing the music video for album cut "Rat Traps" which also features a guest performance from Detroit rapper Aztek the Barfly:

illMatic vocalist J. Meller shared the following about the song:

"I feel like there is a general lack of integrity, loyalty, and respect in today's times. Those are values that I learned as a young kid growing up in the '80s and '90s. The values in the hardcore scene I grew up with. I’m old school, from a time when you got out of line, you got checked….hard. The 'code' meant something in the streets and off."

Watching the World Burn will be out on February 24th via Upstate Records.

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Tagged: illmatic