When two lyrical titans from Massachusetts collide, the result is bound to be explosive. Enter AR16, the newly formed Hip-Hop duo comprised of REKS and Artisin, both battle-tested veterans in the game with decades of bars under their belts. Their new album, “Kill Writers Block”, is not just another drop in the rap ocean; it’s a thunderous wave crashing through a landscape starved for real Hip-Hop.
We at SpitFireHipHop.com had the privilege of catching up with AR16 recently for an exclusive interview, and let us tell you, the energy around this album is real. From raw lyricism to unmatched production, this project is everything a true Hip-Hop head could want and more.
REKS (also known as Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme) has been a mainstay in underground circles since the early 2000s. Known for his poignant lyrics, razor-sharp delivery, and ability to weave political and social themes seamlessly into his music, REKS has worked with legends like DJ Premier, Statik Selektah, and Nottz. Albums like Grey Hairs and REBELutionary put him on the map as a force to be reckoned with in conscious rap.
Artisin, on the other hand, is a name that may fly under the radar for some, but not for long. A versatile producer and lyrical threat in his own right, Artisin’s work speaks volumes. He’s the engine and the driver, a sonic architect with an artist’s soul. His fingerprints are all over Kill Writers Block, not just behind the boards but also in the booth.
Together, they form AR16, a duo not bound by trends or gimmicks. This project is their first as a unit, and it already feels like the beginning of something monumental.
Right from the jump, “Kill Writers Block” screams authenticity. The album features a lineup that reads like a who’s who of underground royalty: Termanology, Estee Nack, Ea$y Money, Superstah Snuk, Hectic, DJ Deadeye, and Queen Philosophical. Each guest appearance is intentional, each verse purposeful.
Production duties are handled masterfully by Artisin, ShortFYUZ, and TAPEGHOST, all of whom understand the value of pairing gritty drums with soul-wrenching samples. The result? A sonically rich album that doesn’t just hit your ears, it hits your soul.
Let’s break down some of the standout tracks.
One of the most powerful tracks on the album, “Young Homies”, offers a sobering lens into the realities faced by the younger generation today. Over a haunting instrumental, REKS and Artisin deliver heartfelt verses aimed at mentoring without preaching, a rare balance that few rappers can pull off.
They rap with clarity and care, hoping to prevent today’s youth from falling into the traps that claimed so many before them. The song feels like a conversation between older brothers and a generation that often lacks guidance. It’s the kind of track that makes you pause and reflect, Hip-Hop with a purpose.
Let’s be honest, everyone has taken a loss or two in life. But what if every loss came with a lesson? That’s the question “Losses” poses. This track is easily one of the emotional cores of the album. Both REKS and Artisin bare their souls, sharing deeply personal stories of grief, growth, and grit.
The production here is minimal yet gripping, allowing their words to sit front and center. It’s not just a song; it’s a therapy session. In a world obsessed with wins and flexing, “Losses” dares to explore the darker moments, reminding us that healing is part of the hustle.
Now, let’s talk heavy-hitters.
“Eat What You Kill” is an unapologetic call to action. It’s about owning your journey, facing your demons, and taking what’s yours. The beat slaps, the verses slice, and the energy is undeniable. Artisin, REKS, Estee Nack take turns on the track like veterans in a lyrical war zone—dropping jewels while dodging industry landmines.
Then there’s “Super Powers,” a metaphor-heavy masterpiece where REKS goes full beast mode. His delivery is electric, almost otherworldly, making it clear that his pen game is a weapon of mass instruction. Artisin doesn’t let up either, proving that he can spit with the best of them, bar for bar.
One of the undeniable strengths of Kill Writers Block is the all-star supporting cast that AR16 recruited. You’re not just getting REKS and Artisin, you’re getting a superteam of lyrical warriors that elevate the album to new heights. Each feature on this project is strategically chosen and beautifully executed, with everyone bringing their A-game.
Termanology, a fellow Massachusetts giant and member of the legendary ST. Da Squad brings raw authenticity and relentless bars to the table. His chemistry with REKS is tried and true, and on this album, that chemistry is fully intact. Then there’s Estee Nack, whose abstract lyricism and unorthodox flow make his appearance unforgettable. Estee has long been considered a poet’s poet, and his verse on this project reminds listeners why he’s so respected.
Ea$y Money provides one of the smoothest, most introspective verses on the album. He doesn’t just rap, he narrates truths in a way that forces you to rewind. Superstah Snuk, another standout from the Massachusetts circuit, balances grit with grace, and Hectic comes through with a commanding presence that rounds out the aggressive tone of the album.
Let’s not forget DJ Deadeye, who brings that classic DJ touch, slicing through the tracks with precision, and Queen Philosophical, whose poetic depth adds a necessary feminine power to the record. Her verse is soul-touching and reflects the healing energy that the album also explores.
The lyrical content of Kill Writers Block might be the headline, but let’s give flowers to the unsung heroes of Hip-Hop, producers. The trio of Artisin, ShortFYUZ, and TAPEGHOST is the architects behind the sonic landscape of this album. Each beat feels handcrafted, as if tailored to the unique emotional temperature of the track it supports.
Artisin, pulling double duty, doesn’t just deliver rhymes; he constructs mood-heavy beats that cradle the lyrics with care. His instrumentals are layered, textured, and oozing with East Coast soul. Whether it’s dusty loops, haunting vocal chops, or basslines that thump like a second heartbeat, Artisin proves he’s not just in the game; he’s changing it.
ShortFYUZ, known for his gritty production style, brings in that authentic underground energy that Kill Writers Block thrives on. His beats feel like they were made in the heart of the struggle, honest, raw, and dripping with character.
TAPEGHOST, the wildcard of the trio, introduces a modern flair with an experimental edge. His work on the album proves that innovation and tradition don’t have to be at odds; they can coexist beautifully when executed with precision.
Together, this trio crafts a soundscape that is both nostalgic and futuristic. It’s like boom-bap went to therapy and came back evolved, still rugged, but wiser and more complete.
AR16 works because of balance. REKS is the wise wordsmith, the elder statesman who’s mastered the art of metaphor and message. Artisin is a multihyphenate, producer, rapper, and visionary. Together, they bring depth and dynamism to each track. It’s like watching Jordan and Pippen in their prime, two stars who understand how to shine individually without dimming the other’s light.
REKS, as always, raps like a man possessed. His verses are full of conviction, coded wisdom, and surgical precision. He can flip a double entendre with the ease of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat. His lyrical stamina is virtually unmatched, and on this album, he’s clearly not here to play.
Artisin, however, isn’t content to just play second fiddle. While he delivers behind the boards, he also proves he’s a monster on the mic. His delivery is crisp, confident, and emotionally resonant. He spits from a place of lived experience, raw, unfiltered, and often introspective. You can feel the hunger in his verses, the need to be heard, not just the want.
Together, their chemistry is more than just musical; it’s spiritual. They speak to each other, not over each other. It’s a testament to their mutual respect and shared mission: reviving real Hip-Hop.
We’re in an era where algorithm-driven content and microwave music dominate the airwaves. In such times, a project like Kill Writers Block feels like a revolutionary act. It’s more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a philosophical statement about the power of authenticity, lyricism, and lived experience in art.
This album isn’t trying to chase trends. It’s standing firmly in its identity, East Coast through and through, conscious but never preachy, aggressive yet compassionate. It’s an album that challenges the listener while still being endlessly listenable. In other words, it’s Hip-Hop in its purest form.
If you’ve been craving something with substance, something that hits your head and your heart, then Kill Writers Block is your antidote. It’s the kind of project that doesn’t just get better with each listen; it demands that you listen deeper.
