Rsonist on Growth, Legacy & the Anti-Social Experiment 🔊

As a pivotal figure in hip-hop, Rsonist’s distinct sound—rooted in high-pitched soul samples—has significantly influenced a generation of rap artists. However, with the launch of The Anti-Social Experiment, the producer is not merely reflecting on the past; he’s actively honing his craft, presenting an updated take on The Heatmakerz sound that resonates profoundly in today’s music scene. In a revealing dialogue, Rsonist shares insights about his creative journey, the motivations behind his latest endeavor, and the challenge of remaining connected to the foundations of his art while allowing for personal growth. With a fresh instrumental album and an evolving legacy, the producer contemplates his trajectory and what lies ahead for his music.

In this exclusive interview, we explore what fuels Rsonist’s transformation as an artist and his aspirations for the future.

Your distinctive sound incorporating high-pitched soul samples helped define an entire era in hip-hop.

With The Anti-Social Experiment, how did you maintain that nostalgic New York essence while exploring new sonic territories?

“My approach to The Anti-Social Experiment was to create music that felt right for my current life phase. I avoid overthinking the process since excessive analysis can undermine the authenticity of the music. This album marks a more mature and polished take on The Heatmakerz sound. Two decades ago, my style was raw and experimental, characterized by unpredictable drum patterns and intricate sample manipulation. Now, I concentrate on a refined sound that honors the core of what we do while indicating growth and aligning with the present era.”

Tracks like ‘Where’s The Luv?’ and ‘Paradise’ are infused with emotion and complexity.

What was the creative journey like for those tracks, and how did they influence the overall direction of the album?

“The first track I composed for this project was ‘Where’s The Luv?’, which ultimately became the opening piece. It served as the ideal intro because it encapsulates everything a Heatmakerz fan anticipates—soulful elements coupled with a nostalgic vibe. I wanted to avoid presenting a completely fresh sound right off the bat, especially for an instrumental album. That track established the mood for the entire album, blending familiarity with a signature Heatmakerz essence.”

Was there a specific influence behind the selection of samples for this project?

“The samples for this project were primarily inspired by my collaborator, JNS Nothing Less, who meticulously curated them for me. He hails from Norway, and every sample used here is original—none are available online. This exclusivity enabled me to create a sound that feels thoughtfully crafted. For instance, a track like ‘Still Ready’ captures the essence of feeling ‘I’m Ready,’ establishing an emotional bridge through the art. To me, music is fundamentally about emotion. If it doesn’t evoke a feeling, it’s a missed chance. With this project, I aimed to express feelings solely through the sound, without the aid of lyrics. That was my guiding philosophy.”

Releasing The Anti-Social Experiment with Fat Beats feels like a harmonious partnership, particularly given their roots in vinyl culture.

What made them the right collaborator for this project, and how do you perceive vinyl as a vessel for keeping hip-hop culture alive?

“Teaming up with Fat Beats felt like a natural choice for this project, and I owe a shoutout to my brother Chris Atlas, who I’ve known since childhood. When he approached me about working together, an instrumental project seemed like the perfect direction. Vinyl, in particular, imparts a unique quality to music—a tangible, nostalgic experience that streaming doesn’t replicate.”

“Nowadays, people are eager to possess a piece of history. Vinyl provides a concrete item to cherish—something they can hold, examine, and connect with. For my inaugural instrumental project, vinyl was non-negotiable. Given that Fat Beats is a legendary name in the hip-hop sphere, our partnership felt even more significant. Heatmakerz and Fat Beats share a commitment to preserving this authenticity.”

“Vinyl resonates with younger fans similarly to retro sneakers. It presents an opportunity to feel a connection to a moment in time. Years from now, people will still treasure their copy, remembering that they were part of this release. For me, this collaboration was like ticking a bucket list item. It’s a perfect fit and a homage to the culture we both cherish.”

The “Still Ready” instrumental is gaining momentum with viral videos from artists like Crank Lucas and Connor Evans.

How does it feel to see such exceptional hip-hop talent interact with your work in this manner?

“Observing hip-hop talents like Crank Lucas and Connor Evans engaging with ‘Still Ready’ is remarkable. As a producer, you craft a track envisioning its potential, yet when artists take it further than you anticipated, it feels like an extension of your creation. That’s what I strive for—encountering unexpected and innovative ideas. When artists challenge creative boundaries and introduce something fresh, we achieve our best outcomes. It serves as an affirmation of the strength of collaboration and the limitless potential within music.”

You’ve collaborated with icons like The Diplomats, Lil Wayne, and Jeezy.

How has the evolution from hits like “Dipset Anthem” to launching The Anti-Social Experiment influenced your current approach to music-making?

“The transition from crafting hits like ‘Dipset Anthem’ to releasing The Anti-Social Experiment has revealed to me that overthinking stifles creativity. At my core, it’s all about emotion—music should originate from a genuine place. When I created ‘Dipset Anthem,’ I was in my mother’s basement, broke, pouring raw emotion into the music. Today, I’m in a different space, and my music conveys my current life experiences and feelings. I don’t create tracks with a specific artist in mind; I produce what resonates with me, and those who connect with it will do so. My advice to any artist would be to craft music primarily for yourself, driven by your emotions, and the right audience will seek it out.”

The title of the project, The Anti-Social Experiment, carries significant depth.

On one hand, it may encapsulate the reflective nature of instrumental music while concurrently addressing navigating the current social landscape as an artist. What’s the deeper significance behind this name, and how does it align with the themes explored across the album?

“I must give credit to my friend I-20 from DTP, who has been a close confidant for over 15 years. While searching for a title for this project, I reached out to him for insight because he knows me quite well. In no time, he proposed ‘The Anti-Social Experiment.’ It struck a chord with me because it embodies my essence—a natural introvert. Even when surrounded by people in the studio, I remain in my own world, entirely engrossed in the creative process.” 

“The title also reflects how the project came into being. It was entirely self-driven, an endeavor rooted in my emotions at that time. I didn’t seek opinions or feedback while I was creating it—it was purely about my own feelings. Over the two weeks it took to complete, the music emerged from a profoundly personal space, crystallizing my moods and emotions in those moments. When you listen to the album, the feelings resonate as a direct reflection of those experiences.”

Your music is intrinsically linked to some of the most iconic rappers, yet this album emphasizes the production.

When crafting these beats, did you approach them differently, knowing they would stand alone, or did your process remain consistent with how you’ve always created beats?

“In developing this project, I concentrated on finding a balance between remaining true to the Heatmakerz sound while allowing it to function independently as instrumentals. My signature style—comprising heavy sampling, sped-up vocals, and intricate percussion—was present, but I made a deliberate effort to streamline the production. This provided space for R&B artists or more melodic approaches while retaining the essence that defines Heatmakerz. With just eight tracks, I sought variety: records like Where’s the Love and Still Ready radiate that classic Heatmakerz energy, while tunes like Paradise and Thoughts introduce a more subdued, contemplative vibe. The objective was to create a unified experience without overwhelming the listeners with a singular dominant sound.”

What are your plans for the upcoming year? Are there any collaborations or projects you may want to hint at for 2025? 

“I have several exciting projects on the horizon. I’m scheduled to work with Joey Bada$$ in the coming weeks and contribute to The Game’s Documentary 3. Jim Jones and I are planning to reconnect for El Capo 2, and I’m collaborating with Bishop Lamont from the West Coast to explore new vibes. M.O.P. also reached out about their forthcoming album, which has me particularly energized, as I’ve been a massive fan of theirs since the early 2000s. Their energy is unmatched, so I’m preparing to deliver my best for that project.” 

“In addition to these collaborations, I’ve signed with a new publishing company that specializes in licensing placements, which opens doors for more commercial TV opportunities. I’m remaining open to where the year may lead me, and I’m eager for what lies ahead.”

As time progresses, what legacy would you like your music to convey?

“I haven’t dwelled too much on it, but I hope to be remembered as an artist whose work made an impact. I aspire to be part of the discourse when people recount hip-hop’s evolution. I recognize that I contributed to defining a significant three-to-four-year period in the industry, and not everyone can claim that distinction. I believe I altered the culture sufficiently that my contributions cannot be ignored.”

Rsonist’s Evolving Legacy: The Anti-Social Experiment and What Lies Ahead in Hip-Hop

Looking to the future, Rsonist’s path remains characterized by his unyielding pursuit of innovation and evolution, while consistently honoring the core principles that made him one of the most influential producers of the last twenty years. Whether collaborating with hip-hop legends like Joey Bada$$ or exploring opportunities in television placements, his dedication to authenticity and emotional resonance remains paramount in his creative approach. The Anti-Social Experiment represents not merely a moment—it’s a declaration of where Rsonist stands today as an artist and where he envisions heading in the future. His legacy, founded on authentic emotion and cultural impact, is poised to influence discussions in hip-hop for years to come. As the industry forges ahead, Rsonist’s capacity to intertwine the past with future possibilities guarantees his role as a pivotal figure in the genre’s ongoing evolution.