Ronald J. Spence Jr., better known as Ronny J, was born in Camden, New Jersey, but is based in Miami, Florida and mostly works with artists from South Florida. His loud, bassy, distorted production style is what made the South Florida rap scene, which includes rappers like XXXTentacion, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, Denzel Curry, and Ski Mask The Slump God. You know you're listening to a Ronny J track when you hear tags like "Ronny J listen up" and "OH MY GOD RONNY." His type of music is either loved or hated because a lot of people hate distortion. I, on the other hand, have grown to love it. Ronny J has also started a career in melodic rap and released his debut project, OMGRONNY, back in February of this year. His music as a rapper is pretty iffy and I think his autotuned melodies don't really fit his beats most of the time but I can get into a few of his songs. Anyway, here are my favorite beats from Ronny J.
Least Favorite Beat
Iggy Azalea feat. Tyga - Kream
From: Survive the Summer [EP]
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Unfortunately, the most recent song in his discography is the worst one. On top of having to suffer through two awful artists, we also get underwhelming production. Despite the fact that his tag is present, this beat didn't sound like a Ronny J beat. It just felt like a generic trap song. There was no distorted tractor bass, no abrasive synths, and no quakey hi-hats. It's just a bad song all-around.
Favorite Beats
Like I said in the last post, these are not ranked in any order, just some beats that I enjoy.
XXXTentacion - #ImSippinTeaInYoHood
From: Somewhere on SoundCloud or YouTube
Release Date: February 26, 2016
I have a hard time wondering if this song or "RIP Roach" is XXXTentacion's best, but Ronny's beat certainly gives "#ImSippinTeaInYoHood" an edge. Ronny J knew XXX's sound best because his abrasive production and the loud, aggressive delivery of XXXTentacion are a match made in heaven. The bass on this track is insane and the minute-long outro of just the loud bass and hi-hats is incredible. In an interview with Complex, Ronny J said that this was his second favorite beat ever and describes the creative process:
"I literally made that in my bed. I was probably in my boxers in my bed."
"I literally made that in my bed. I was probably in my boxers in my bed."
Denzel Curry - Ultimate
From: 32 Zel/Planet Shrooms
Release Date: June 6, 2015
It's a shame that Denzel Curry's most popular song is basically the soundtrack of a water bottle flipping meme. However, with or without its meme status, this song is amazing, and the reason why is Ronny J on production. His chaotic sound matches Curry's aggressiveness so well. Also, there's a video on Genius' YouTube channel on how the song was made, which is pretty cool.
Rich Brian feat. XXXTentacion x Keith Ape - Gospel
From: Somewhere on streaming services
Release Date: May 11, 2017
I know the name change was needed, but I liked Rich Brian's music better when he was using the name Rich Chigga. This was the first Rich Brian song I've ever listened to and the first time I've ever heard a Ronny J beat. What I like most about this beat is that while the tone remains the same throughout, the actual sounds switch up. XXXTentacion's opening verse is loud and abrasive. Keith Ape's is toned down a bit. And then we get to Rich Brian. Rich Brian's low-pitched voice is actually a great contrast with the aggressiveness of Ronny's production. It's one of the best Ronny J-produced songs without question.
Lil Pump - Molly
From: Lil Pump
Release Date: June 26, 2017
Ronny J isn't very involved with Pump's newer work, but he produced some crazy beats for him when he had just dropped out of Harvard to save the rap game. Back when Lil Pump was more drugged out and zany, Ronny provided the perfect beats that matched his style. In my opinion, this is the best beat that he made for Lil Pump. The drums throughout this song sound crazy and Lil Pump's delivery matches the tone very well.
Smokepurpp - Audi
From: Deadstar
Release Date: May 17, 2017
Half of Smokepurpp's debut project, Deadstar, was produced by Ronny J. "Audi" ended up being one of his biggest singles and is described in interviews as one of their favorite tracks they've made together. This is one of my favorite beats from Ronny J simply because of how weird it sounds. According to an interview with Noisey, it was exactly what Smokepurpp wanted:
"Shout out Ronny J. We made that shit up at my homeboy's crib. I was like, 'Yo, just use, like, the weirdest sounds. Like, look for a siren.' Just some random industrial shit. I was just like 'Yo, make a weird-ass beat.' [...] I'm on some weird shit."
In an interview with Complex, Ronny J said it was the best beat he's ever made and is mad that he can't recreate it:
"'Audi' is my favorite beat ever. [...] The thing that sucked about it is, I don't have that drum kit. I lost that whole entire file. I don't know where it's at. So I can never use those sounds again."
Ski Mask The Slump God feat. XXXTentacion - Take a Step Back
From: Drown In Designer (on SoundCloud and YouTube), You Will Regret (Reloaded) [on streaming services]
Release Date: May 16, 2016
This is the most popular Ski Mask/XXX song of all time. With 37.8 million plays, this song will go down as a classic in the realm of SoundCloud rap. Ronny J provides another loud, abrasive, bassy beat that matches XXXTentacion's delivery and plays a good contrast to Ski Mask's fast-paced and mellow flow. It's in-your-face, it's intimidating, and it's scary.
Once again, I have many more favorite Ronny J songs, but I don't have enough time to name them all, so I'll give out a few more in a gauntlet style and give short descriptions.
Bhad Bhabie - Hi Bich
From: Fifteen (Unreleased)
Release Date: September 21, 2017
Ronny J did the impossible and made Bhad Bhabie sound listenable.
Denzel Curry feat. Ski Mask The Slump God x XXXTentacion x Lofty305 - SpaceGhostPussy
From: Somewhere on SoundCloud or YouTube
Release Date: January 24, 2016
One of my favorite intros ever. There's such an intense build-up to the eventual climax, which is the group diss against SpaceGhostPurpp.
Ronny J feat. Ski Mask The Slump God - Thriller (Forever)
From: OMGRONNY
Release Date: October 26, 2017
It's so spacey and atmospheric. I'm pretty iffy on Ronny's vocals but they sound tolerable on this song.
Smokepurpp feat. Chief Keef x Yo Gotti - I Don't Know You
From: Deadstar
Release Date: September 28, 2017
One of the eeriest beats Ronny J has ever made. The opener to Deadstar is a banger right out the gate.
The third installment of this series will be next week and will focus on Murda Beatz.
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