In a thrilling homage to Spike Lee’s unmistakable cinematic style, DJ Muggs, Crimeapple, and RLX have unveiled their latest single, “Spike Lee Joint.” As the third release from their highly anticipated album Los Pollos Hermanos, set to drop on October 18, this track strikes a powerful chord with listeners. With its evocative jazz horn baseline, the song echoes the soulful soundtracks that fans have come to associate with Spike Lee’s classic films. True to form, DJ Muggs crafts a rich, atmospheric soundscape, while Crimeapple and RLX deliver soul-baring rhymes that cut through the track with precision and emotion.
At its core, “Spike Lee Joint” pays tribute to the cinematic legacy of Spike Lee, whose films are known for blending powerful storytelling with rich, jazz-infused music. DJ Muggs captures this essence flawlessly with a heavy horn riff that feels straight out of a Lee movie. The jazz elements in the production, combined with the beat’s gritty, urban undertones, create a cinematic feel that transports the listener into the streets of a Spike Lee film. The production has an air of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from the jazz soundtracks of films like Mo’ Better Blues and Do the Right Thing.
Muggs, a master at setting mood through sound, builds a haunting yet soulful foundation for Crimeapple and RLX to shine. The jazz horns, both grand and melancholic, drive the song forward, giving it a cinematic grandeur that’s perfect for fans who appreciate the intersection of Hip-Hop and film.
While DJ Muggs sets the sonic backdrop, Crimeapple and RLX take center stage with razor-sharp, introspective rhymes. Their lyrics carry the weight of personal struggle and resilience, themes that are often at the heart of Spike Lee’s work. Crimeapple’s wordplay is precise and deliberate, flowing seamlessly over the jazz-inflected beat. RLX complements him perfectly, offering equally thought-provoking bars that resonate deeply with the listener.
The duo’s verses are reflective, pulling from their experiences while embodying the same gritty, no-nonsense style that defines the streets Spike Lee often portrays in his films. It’s a perfect marriage of sound and substance—just as Spike Lee’s films are both visually and emotionally rich, so too are the lyrics of “Spike Lee Joint.” The song feels like an auditory continuation of the storytelling Lee brings to life on screen.
“Spike Lee Joint” is not only a tribute to one of cinema’s greats, but also a testament to DJ Muggs’ ability to revive and reinvent the jazz-rap genre. As Hip-Hop continues to evolve, Muggs stays true to his roots while bringing a fresh, modern sound to the table. The jazz horn baseline grounds the track in the past, while the hard-hitting beat and Crimeapple and RLX’s lyrical depth keep it firmly in the present. This blend of old and new makes the song a standout in today’s Hip-Hop landscape.
Fans of DJ Muggs, Crimeapple, RLX, and Spike Lee are in for a treat with this track. “Spike Lee Joint” is more than just another single—it’s a deep, soulful reflection of artistry that transcends music and film.
With Los Pollos Hermanos set for release on October 18, Hip-Hop lovers can expect even more cinematic, jazz-infused soundscapes from DJ Muggs and lyrical gems from Crimeapple and RLX. For now, “Spike Lee Joint” offers a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
