NE$$ x Coach NYM ft: Rukus - Illegal Business (Single)
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary underground hip-hop, where artists often blur the lines between musical expression and sociopolitical commentary, RBG MC’s NE$$ and Coach NYM, in collaboration with UK producer Baby J deliver ‘Illegal Business’, a powerful sonic manifesto inspired by the KRS One/BDP classic of the same name. Featuring the distinctive voice of UK rapper Rukus on chorus, this track emerges as a striking commentary on the ‘The Trap’ and the systemic injustices that have woven themselves into the fabric of America.
The song opens with Rukus on the haunting chorus, echoing the assertion that the illicit drug trade and the prison-industrial complex exert a vice-like grip on the very heart of America. This recurring refrain serves as a stark reminder that individuals from marginalized communities are pushed to risk everything in their quest for financial security, in a society where the underbelly wields immense control.
NE$$’ first verse is a canvas painted with the vivid strokes of street life, where survival often depends on a perpetual hustle. His verses are a masterful blend of historical allusions, evoking the horrors of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, with contemporary snapshots of life on the streets. With unapologetic lyricism, he traces the arduous journey of those navigating a world where dodging law enforcement has become a daily ritual, and incarceration feels like an inescapable rite of passage.
Bronx, NY native Coach NYM (dead prez, RBG Fit Club) opens his scorching guest verse in the sing song style reminiscent of BX legend KRS One, peeling back the layers even further, shining a harsh light on the CIA’s complicity in the drug trade and its far-reaching consequences on urban communities. His verse, filled with stark portrayals of constitutional rights being trampled upon and the constant specter of involvement in criminal activities, are a sobering reflection of a world where survival often takes precedence over ideals.
As the track unfolds, Coach NYM deepens the narrative by shedding light on the ongoing struggle to find gainful employment, even after personal transformations. The verse underscores the desperation to provide for family in the face of limited opportunities, encapsulating the essence of the oppressed class’ resilience.
The chorus, reprised by Rukus, underscores the idea that illegal business operations and the prison- industrial complex are indelibly intertwined, casting a long shadow over countless lives.
‘Illegal Business’ is a vivid narrative that plunges headfirst into the heart of America’s systemic issues. NE$$ and Coach NYM, with Baby J’s production wizardry, use their verses as potent tools for social critique. With every lyric, they lay bare the struggles faced by marginalized communities, leaving listeners with a profound sense of empathy and introspection.
In the tradition of hip-hop as a conduit for storytelling and societal reflection, ‘Illegal Business’ stands as a resounding anthem for a generation trapped in the trap. It’s a stark reminder that the fight continues, and music, as a vehicle for change, remains as potent as ever.