Epic Soundscapes: 5 Tracks That Captured My Brain This Year
November 4, 2024
November 4, 2024
Juicy J and Crankdat’s collaboration, “Open The Pit,” highlights an exciting trend in the music industry: EDM and hip-hop are increasingly merging. At the same time, the collaboration highlights how electronic producers are proving their versatility by creating sounds that push beyond their usual boundaries. Juicy J working on “Open The Pit” exemplifies how versatile hip-hop artists adapt to new genres, bringing their style into the high-energy world of electronic music. EDM is gaining hip-hop’s rhythmic flow and lyrical intensity, while hip-hop is tapping into EDM’s festival culture. Artists like Juicy J are crossing into electronic territory to foster innovation and create new hybrid sounds, while electronic producers like Crankdat are embracing experimentation, highlighting the growing cultural overlap in today’s music.
“Open The Pit” has been making waves in the live circuit, even before its release, especially when Juicy J joined Crankdat onstage at the Hollywood Palladium. Crankdat’s crowds at his debut Lost Lands performance, as well as North Coast Music Festival and Rawhide Event Center opening for Illenium, lost their minds when Crankdat dropped the tune. Crankdat crafts graphic teaser shorts for his releases and stage visuals, demonstrating his multifaceted talents beyond music production. His creativity shines in the GTA-inspired “Open The Pit” animated music video, a collaborative effort with artists Lee Griffin and JasePlanet, brought to life using Blender 4.1 and 4.2. The video immerses viewers in an animated world featuring Crankdat and Juicy J on a wild, GTA-styled night, following them through a thrilling heist, parties, and a cop chase.
“Open The Pit” begins on a high note with kaleidoscopic instrumentals, splashy drum effects, and Juicy J’s impeccable flow. The first verse covers themes such as “M.O.E. (Money Over Everything),” “tearing up the club like it got hit by a hurricane,” and “Fire Marshalls shutting them down” due to an excessive burning of cash. Off to a GREAT start! Gun cocking sound effects ring out as Juicy J continues spitting bars. A swelling undercurrent forms beneath the surface. Building to the first drop. The kicks break down the doors, as a “3…2…1..” countdown ensues. Shortly after this, Juicy J declares:
“WHEN YOU HEAR THIS SONG, YOU GONNA OPEN UP THE PIT!” Accentuated by a “LET’S GO!” vocal sample.
A barrage of laser effects surround the listener, before enveloping them in a tornado of sound. This drop is intricate and BEYOND HEAVY! A choppy bridge extends this drop, as the listener swirls deeper into this spiral of bass. A treat for all of the wonk and wub lovers out there. Explosive drum hits and wavy synth patterns emerge, with blaring alarm sounds in the background. The kicks and flow briefly take over, before revving into the next drop. The bass turns grimy before fading back to the intro. Juicy J’s vocals are stretched out, before we break into an unexpected dance number. This is a mind-blowing way to end a track that left me shaking with adrenaline. WOW!
“Open The Pit” is a perfect blend of rap and the heavier side of EDM. A great way to blend the sounds audiences of both genres. The lyrics and Juicy J’s flow match the vibe of the instrumentals to a T. Crankdat’s production on this one is EXPLOSIVE, well-layered, and intricate. Containing some of the heaviest drums that I have ever heard on an EDM track. Both artists are firing on all cylinders and give it their all. The effort and dedication put into “Open The Pit” is on clear display and I highly recommend it to fans of EDM and Rap alike. Welcome to the Monstercat family, Juicy J!
“I’m so excited that “Open The Pit” is finally coming out. This song has been 3 years in the making and getting Juicy J on it was a dream come true. Along with the record we are also releasing a music video that has been a labor of love to plan out and help create, and I can’t wait for everyone to see and hear it.”
-Crankdat
Connect with Crankdat: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud
Connect with Juicy J: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud