As today's hip-hop scene drifts further away from how it was in the 80s, several artists strive to influence popular sound. One of these artists is Robert Martino, but not in the way you'd expect. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Martino seems deadset on changing hip-hop for the better. And while many new artists are claiming they'll become the greatest, Martino says it with such confidence that it's actually believable. Bringing back old-school mafioso rap, Robert Martino raps with noticeable influences from The Notorious B.I.G, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan. When asked about the genre and its influence, Martino said, "It was really gangster and gritty, and it's just my favorite genre of music". Although he started writing his first album in 2019, the final project was released in 2021 under the title "The Return of the King". The album that earned him the title "Young Al Capone", this project is a masterpiece from start to finish – combining the best parts of mafioso rap with an artist who really wants to put this genre back on the map.
Featuring 10 tracks of essential boom-bap sounds, "The Return of the King" is a hidden gem. Released on May 28, 2021, it's still an album worthy of sharing – especially since Martino hasn't released an album since. Tracks like "The SP-100", "The Return of the King", "No Back Talk", and "The Buckshot Flow" immediately set the stage for Robert Martino. The album is fueled by old-school energy, mafioso confidence, and the perfect amount of swing. As a genre that's not quite as popular these days, mafioso rap seems hard to pull off – until Robert Martino proves how easy it actually is. When asked about the inspiration behind the project, and the experience he was trying to create, Robert Martino stated:
"I wanted to make this album, and this record, sound like something straight from 1996. Just like if you have ever heard “It Was Written” by Nas – his second album that really got critical acclaim. You know when you hear those drums come in, you hear “1996! Back up in this, The right way, though, you know?” That feeling, and that vibe; if you close your eyes, it really takes you back to Brooklyn and Queens. And you just feel like you're in Queensbridge, and that's where I wanted to go with this album you know? That's the direction that I wanted to take with it, and I think that it came out really special. I think that is something that's always going to remain really special in my heart."
"The Return of the King" definitely achieved that feeling, and it's an album you can't put down. So while Robert Martino prepares his second album, we'll be enjoying his unique take on his favorite genre. And we hope you tag along on this journey as well.
Connect with Robert Martino: Instagram | SoundCloud | Twitter
Listen on: Apple Music | Spotify
