The streets of New York are buzzing, and Rome Streetz is feeling the good vibes. After a recent gym session, the usually intense lyricist was in notably high spirits, attributing some of his elation to the New York Knicks' historic run to the NBA Finals, their first in 27 years. "It's lit. It's amazing," Rome told VIBE, reflecting on the renewed sense of pride sweeping the city. "Everybody's got New York on their chest. The city feels beautiful... It's a big win for the city. Put some respect on the Knicks' name."
This broader sense of accomplishment extends to Rome Streetz's own career. The 39-year-old wordsmith, a devoted reader of VIBE since childhood, is entering a new phase. Having established himself as a premier lyricist since his 2016 debut, 'I Been Thru Mad Shit,' and through projects like the 'Noise Kandy' series and albums like 'KISS THE RING' and 'Kontraband,' the Griselda affiliate is now aiming higher. His upcoming album, 'Sock It 2 My Pocket,' set for release on July 17 through Mass Appeal, represents his next stride towards expanding his influence and sound.
THE NEXT CHAPTER With 'Sock It 2 My Pocket,' Rome Streetz is leaning into his signature ad-libs and a philosophy focused on financial recognition. "Everything you do in life is for somebody to sock it to your pocket," he explained. "Time is money, so your energy isn't free." This sentiment underscores a shift from making music purely for passion to demanding his worth. "I used to do it for that, but now I need to get paid. So, that's what this is about. I never lose love for the game, but now it's like, 'Yeah, you've got to sock it to my pocket.'" He emphasizes that after years of proving himself, he expects acknowledgment and compensation: "Kiss the ring, then sock it to my pocket. Acknowledge me, then pay me."
THE MAKING OF 'SOCK IT 2 MY POCKET' Recording and writing for the album began in earnest around October and November of last year, with the bulk of the creation process culminating in March. Rome Streetz shared that he likely finished his parts about two months prior to the interview, around late March or early April, having recorded roughly 30 tracks to narrow down to the final 14 or 15. The initial creative phase was intense, but the subsequent weeks were dedicated to the meticulous task of sequencing and fine-tuning the tracklist, swapping songs and adjusting placement. The final touches, including securing features, extended until early May, marking the definitive completion of the project.
PRODUCER DIVERSITY Unlike previous projects, such as his album with Conductor Williams or Daringer, 'Sock It 2 My Pocket' boasts a diverse roster of producers. The illustrious lineup includes industry heavyweights like Pete Rock, Alchemist, 9th Wonder, and Havoc, alongside frequent collaborators Denny LaFlare and Conductor Williams, as well as producers like V Don, Ssllahi, Sovren, Cam, and Karbine. Rome explained this departure from a single-producer approach was intentional. "Sometimes, it kind of puts you in a box," he stated. "When you have a bunch of different producers on one album, there's no limit to the sounds that you could create."
EXPANDING THE SONIC PALETTE This multi-producer approach has allowed Rome Streetz to explore a wider sonic landscape than ever before. He highlighted the inclusion of an Afrobeats track as an example of this expanded creativity, noting that while it might not be expected from certain producers, it fits his energy. "If I could make some other shit, I would, and I'm not opposed to it," he asserted. "I'm big on energy. I don't really try to force nothing." Rome remains open to experimenting with various genres, provided the energy and feel are right, indicating a willingness to venture beyond traditional rap boundaries as long as it aligns with his artistic vision.
THE GRISLEDA CONNECTION As a close affiliate of Griselda, Rome Streetz has benefited from the label's gritty aesthetic and independent spirit. The collective's success has paved a lane for artists like Rome to deliver raw, unfiltered lyricism to a dedicated fanbase. While 'Sock It 2 My Pocket' showcases his individual artistry, the Griselda ethos of authenticity and lyrical prowess remains a foundational element of his sound. The project promises to deliver the hard-hitting bars fans have come to expect, while also hinting at artistic growth and experimentation.
UP NEXT With 'Sock It 2 My Pocket' poised for release, Rome Streetz appears ready to solidify his position as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop. His ambition to move beyond the underground and his willingness to explore new sonic territories, while staying true to his lyrical roots, suggest a bright and dynamic future. Fans can anticipate a project that reflects his evolution as an artist, balancing his signature intensity with a broader artistic vision.
Reporting via Vibe. Read the original story here: https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/rome-streetz-ready-next-chapter-1235177128/
