James Artissen & Bigg Baggz Drop An ADdictive Blend of Energetic Hop Hop, and Smooth R&B
- R.A.G.
- 1 hour ago
- 7 min read
James Artissen returns with BIGG BAGGZ once again, and this time the duo released a massive EP that has such an amazing blend of energies because the two of them together complement each other damn near perfectly throughout the entire record.
The EP takes some of the best elements of hip hop and R&B, brings them together, and creates something that's got its own atmosphere, to an extent.
There's never a dull moment throughout this entire thing, and the flow that's delivered in terms of the wrapping is always high energy, intense, and has outstanding lyrical phrasing that sits perfectly between those beats, but also gives everything this ultra liveliness that you end up feeding into.
BIG BAGGZ is just killer throughout this entire thing, but so is James. Both of them really created something that showcases each of their talents amazingly, but also lets you see that when you find the right people to collaborate with, magic can definitely happen.
So, the record opens up with their main single 'Down 4 Whatever", which is a perfect way to introduce the entire release. This single gives you a great example of how the two of them work together flawlessly and how James can bring those massive melodic hooks to the table with his smooth tonality, while BAGGZ rules in and brings the song that electric energy status.
It's that combination that makes the whole record work so well. James has a certain tone and smoothness, while BIGG BAGGZ has that excitability factor and can easily switch between rap styles and flows, depending on the song.
This first track gives James a full verse as well, which I really loved because the arrangement of the song calls for it, and they really nailed what they were going for.
This first track showcases some of the staples that you're going to hear throughout the full record, but having said that, this is an EP that you don't skip around on.
Listening to one or two songs only will not give you the full spectrum of what the full record has to offer.
This is an EP that you listen to all the way through, from start to finish, in one shot.
"Vibrate" follows that first track and sticks with the same kind of arrangement where BAGGZ comes in with that hefty punch, excitable and animated sort of flow, and James follows up with that smooth vocal hook.
Meanwhile, the beat is really heavy-handed on this one. I love the keys that are used, along with how the kick and the snare cut through everything and give the song punch.
You can tell a lot of thought went into the production of this record as well as the mix.
I don't always talk about the mix of a record, but with this one, it's needed simply because everyone was on the same page. Whoever was in charge of mixing this record understood the mission and really gave the record an edginess, but was also able to combine that with the smooth tonalities and layers of everything.
It's a pretty hard-hitting release.
"You Could Be The One" switches things up a bit and lets James come in first, which is amazing simply because he's giving you all these beautiful hooks right at the get-go. Right out of the gate, you were sucked into this track, which has a smooth sort of jazz and classic R&B overtone. BIGG BAGGZ is there to add that energy in the accents of the song.
At this point in the record, you can see how they branch out here and there and sort of share that spotlight perfectly. All these songs are very dynamically balanced, and you can tell plenty of thought went into that.
"Like That" is a brilliant track because it changes things up a bit. This one shows a bit more diversity as it feels kind of like an afrobeat style track, James not giving you that addictive tone and really taking the reins, while BAGGZ comes in before the second verse and does his thing.
On this track, BIG BAGGZ has a little bit more of a laid-back feel. It is still exciting and still carries that sort of character with it, but he's able to keep it a little bit more low-key and follow suit with the vibe and aesthetic of the music and instrumentation.
It's got a great chill sort of undertone, and both artists locked in on that field and rolled with it.
The closing track, "What You Tryna Do", kind of epitomizes the vibe of the full record. It is built so that you have that amazing balance between the two performers once again.
I found it pretty impressive how these two came together to create something that has its own vibe and atmosphere.
These tracks are super radio-friendly. There's not one song that would be a surprise to hear on any major hip hop or R&B radio station, almost anywhere.
Again, the production has plenty to do with it as well, but the way the two artists came together and balanced things out for each other was really wonderfully woven, and it really felt like these two are a perfect match for each other musically.
Upon listening to this EP, I knew I wanted to have a sit-down with them to find out where this came from, how it came to be, and what might be coming up next for the artists.
So, while you listen to this record, have a read through of our interview with James Artissen below.
Hello and welcome back! Let's get into The Art Dealer record! This was packed with character and you joined up with Bigg Baggz for this! What made this EP happen?
The project really came together naturally. Me and Bigg Baggz had been building creatively for a while, sending ideas back and forth and realizing we had a strong chemistry musically. At some point we looked at the tracks we were creating and realized they had a cohesive energy, almost like pieces in an art gallery. That’s where the concept of The Art Dealercame from—we’re presenting different sounds, moods, and lyrical styles like curated pieces of art.
How was it working with Bigg Baggz and what do you feel like he brought to the project?
Working with Bigg Baggz was smooth. He’s got a strong presence and a unique tone that balances my style really well. He brought a lot of energy, authenticity, and perspective to the project. When we were building songs, he would come with ideas that pushed the direction further and made the records hit harder.
The instrumentation and beats on this record were excellent! Who did you work with to produce the record? Or where do you get your beats from?
I worked with my production partner Ronell Sessoms, and also tapped into some producers by the name of 24LMG. Sometimes I hear a beat and instantly know it fits the vision, and other times we build from scratch. For this EP I wanted beats that had character—something that felt artistic but still knocked.
How long did this release take to finally complete?
The whole process actually took about two months from the first idea to the final version. Some songs came together quickly, while others took time because we wanted to get the sound and message just right.
Are you happy with how it came out?
Definitely. I’m proud of it. Anytime you put something out you grow from the process, but I feel like we captured the energy we were aiming for with this project.
Do you start with lyrics or does the music give you the creative push to write lyrics once you hear the track?
Most of the time it starts with the music. The beat sets the mood and the direction for me. Once I hear the track, ideas start forming and the lyrics follow naturally.
Are you going out and doing any live performances now?
I’m definitely set to perform and bring the music to the stage very soon. There will be announcements made via social media. Performing these songs live is something I’m excited about because the energy of the project really translates well in that environment.
The energy of this record is amazing! How do you prepare to go in the studio and track vocals?
For me it’s about getting into the right mindset. I usually listen to the beat for a while, lock into the vibe, and then start recording once I feel connected to the track. Sometimes I’ll run through the lyrics a few times before hitting record to make sure the delivery feels natural.
Do you like recording or performing live more and why?
Both have their own feelings. Recording is where the creative process really happens—you’re building the song from the ground up. Performing live is different because you get to see how people react to the music in real time. That energy from the crowd is something special.
Now that this record is out there, what is next for you as an artist?
I’m continuing to create and evolve. There’s always new music in the works, more collaborations, and expanding the sound even further. I want to keep building momentum and giving listeners something fresh. I am also working on my debut album which will be releasing in the summer time which is exciting. Also I have recently launched my label magazine Humble Sound Magazine.
This was such a fresh record! Great work! Anything else you want to share with listeners?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s been listening and supporting me. If you haven’t heard The Art Dealer yet, go check it out and really take in the vibe of the project.
Thank you again for coming back to us!
Thank you for having me—it’s always appreciated.
Comments