We Speak Hip-Hop

Interview: Rhyme Assassin Returns With Legends M.O.P & Ruste Juxx In “Run Em Up (Told Ya)”

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2024

Hip Hop artist Rhyme Assassin is back with the legends in his new single “Run Em Up (Told Ya).” M.O.P and Ruste Juxx join the rapper to execute minutes of grimy, raw bars. Tap into the interview below and prepare for the release on April 19th.

MJ: You’re back with brand new music, still sharing mics with legends of the game. This time around for your new single, dropping everywhere April 19th, you have M.O.P and Ruste Juxx in “Run Em Up (Told Ya)” with production by Arcitype. How did this link-up come into play?

Rhyme Assassin: Approximately 2 years ago I purchased a few beats from the Arcitype and when I heard the beat, I used for Run Em Up all I could hear on it was M.O.P crushing the instrumental so when I considered a feature it had to be M.O.P. It took me some time to get the feature in place but super excited it worked out.

MJ: From the cover, we can already assume there will be grittiness, tough bars, and even some intimidation. Without giving too much away before April 19th, talk about the concept of the record.

Rhyme Assassin: All I can say it’s grimy and gritty, with raw bars and metaphors at the same time. It will have your head nodding like crazy. A special shout out to Arcitype, I told him the direction I wanted to take with the song, and he didn’t take long to whip out his bag of sonic magic tricks. He sent a beat that matched the exact mood I was aiming at, exactly what the song needed. It’s gonna be crazy everybody gotta keep the 19th clear for “Run Em Up.”

MJ: Why M.O.P and Ruste Juxx for the features?

Rhyme Assassin: Well, I have been always a fan of M.O.P and they are legends in the game so it’s an honor to have them on the same track. That’s why the opening was “I am on a track with legends”. Like I explained earlier they bring the right energy that the beat needed, and they annihilated the track with punchlines and metaphors. Juxx is a veteran MC and I worked with him on a few tracks, and he poses great skills and energy that would complement M.O.P on the same track, so I felt he would be the perfect match.

MJ: Is this record leading fans and audiences into something forthcoming from you?

Rhyme Assassin: Rum ‘em Up (Told ya) is the second single from my forthcoming album ‘Dedicated to Self’ which will drop this year but currently no date has been set yet. I will potentially drop one more single and 2 videos and then drop the album.

MJ: Can we expect visuals? Again, without giving too much away, what is your vision for the video?

Rhyme Assassin: I am currently in discussion of the potential of getting a video done with M.O.P and Ruste Juxx for this single. I have hopes of making the video because I know fans are going to love this offering. As a fan of M.O.P it would be a personal accomplishment and achievement to have them on video. As for the concept I will discuss with the team if everyone is on the same page to get one done.

MJ: Let everyone know how they can connect with you and keep up to date with new music, videos, tours, etc.

Rhyme Assassin: Anyone can contact me on the following email – unclerhymez@gmail.com and Rhyme Assassin on all media platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

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NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

4 days ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.

MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.

Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.

MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.

Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.

MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?

Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.

MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?

Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.

MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”

Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.

MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?

Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.

MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.

Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.

MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.

Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.