E511 $uicideboy$
This episode offers an in-depth look at the origins, personal journeys, and musical evolution of $uicideboy$, the New Orleans-based rap duo. Theo Von explores the diverse influences that shaped their sound, from Three 6 Mafia and boom-bap to punk and Cash Money Records. The rappers open up about their histories with addiction, detailing the role of substance abuse in their creative process and personal growth.
Von delves into the cultural roots of $uicideboy$ in the underground New Orleans scene. The duo also shares insights on building a devoted fanbase, their unconventional creative approach, and navigating the music industry. Their stories provide a raw, authentic glimpse into the lives and creative forces behind this boundary-pushing rap group.
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1-Page Summary
The Suicide Boys' Music Origins
Diverse Musical Influences
$crim draws heavily from Three 6 Mafia and '90s Memphis rap, shaping the "spine" of Suicide Boys' sound. Ruby da Cherry brought a love for punk, hip-hop and boom-bap. Together, they found inspiration in Cash Money, No Limit, and Lil Wayne.
Early Days and Building a Fanbase
Initially struggling in New Orleans, they focused on an international online fanbase—particularly in Russia. Their music resonated with those who felt like misfits, fostering a community.
Creative Process and Evolution
The Suicide Boys value spontaneity and avoiding overthinking in their creative process. They embraced early music made under the influence as part of growth. Side projects ease pressures, allowing evolution. Their DIY ethos emerges through using iPhones, samples, and basic tools.
Personal Struggles With Addiction and Recovery
Histories With Substance Abuse
Both faced severe addictions to opioids, stimulants and other drugs—with $crim describing "psychosis" fueling early work. Their substance abuse reflected broader, normalized issues in their community.
Paths to Sobriety
$crim credits sobriety as pivotal, allowing focus on music and life. Both found new perspective through 12-step programs and wanting productivity over squandering mornings. Sobriety transformed their sound and routines, like "learning to walk again."
Growing Up in New Orleans
Cultural and Subcultural Influences
Genres like bounce and hip-hop deeply influenced their sound. They draw from the gritty, DIY elements of New Orleans culture and communities.
Personal Upbringings
$crim and Ruby had contrasting upbringings on opposite sides of the city, shaping their perspectives, with $crim facing culture shock. They encountered violence, addiction and economic struggles reflected in their work.
Relationship With Fans and Industry
Fan Connection
Despite growth limiting meet-and-greets, they value humanizing connections with passionate fans, fostering community at shows. Fans have even joined their team.
Industry Experiences
Facing rejection in New Orleans, they took a DIY approach inspired by figures like Master P. They prioritize trust within their professional team amid challenges navigating the industry.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While the Suicide Boys' music may draw from a variety of influences, some critics might argue that their sound doesn't significantly innovate within those genres but rather follows established patterns.
- The claim that the Suicide Boys' fanbase is particularly strong among "misfits" could be seen as a marketing angle, and it might be argued that their appeal is broader and not limited to any one demographic.
- Emphasizing spontaneity in the creative process could be critiqued by those who believe in a more disciplined and deliberate approach to music production.
- The narrative of creating music under the influence and then transitioning to sobriety is powerful, but some might argue that it inadvertently glamorizes substance abuse to young fans.
- The transformation in sound and routine attributed to sobriety could be questioned by those who feel that an artist's work should be separate from their personal life and that sobriety doesn't necessarily equate to improved artistry.
- The influence of New Orleans culture on their music is clear, but some might argue that the Suicide Boys could do more to highlight and give back to the specific communities that have shaped their sound.
- The contrast in upbringings between $crim and Ruby da Cherry is noted, but critics might suggest that the narrative oversimplifies the complexities of their backgrounds and the impact on their music.
- The value placed on humanizing connections with fans could be critiqued by those who feel that the Suicide Boys, like many artists, may not be able to maintain genuine relationships with fans as their fame grows.
- The DIY approach is commendable, but some might argue that it has its limits and that professional production and industry support can be beneficial for artistic growth and reaching wider audiences.
- Prioritizing trust within their professional team is important, but critics might argue that navigating the music industry often requires compromise and engagement with industry norms to some extent.
Actionables
- Explore your own diverse music tastes by creating a playlist that combines genres you love, similar to how $crim and Ruby da Cherry blend their influences. Start by selecting five songs from each genre that speaks to you, then mix them to see how they can complement each other, discovering your unique sound preference.
- Build a digital community around a shared interest or experience by starting a simple blog or social media page. Share your stories, art, or music, and encourage others to contribute their own experiences. This can foster a sense of belonging and support, much like the community Suicide Boys resonated with.
- Embrace spontaneity in your daily routine by setting aside time each week to engage in an activity without any planning. Whether it's writing, drawing, or making music, use whatever tools you have at hand, like your phone or free online software, to capture the moment's creativity, reflecting the DIY spirit of $crim and Ruby's early work.
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The Suicide Boys' background, musical origins, and creative case
The Suicide Boys, a rap duo rooted in various musical genres, has cultivated a unique space in music through a blend of diverse influences and a commitment to their DIY ethos.
The Suicideboys' musical roots and influences
Growing up, $crim was heavily influenced by the music of Three 6 Mafia and the old Memphis sound of the '90s, which he was introduced to by his uncle. This sound became the "spine of Suicide Boys," shaping their musical direction. $crim's personal musical journey was also marked by trap music, dealing houses, and the hardships he observed—elements which later pervaded the duo's lyrics and storytelling.
Ruby da Cherry brought his love for punk, as well as a respect for hip hop and boom-bap music, calling himself "an old head at like 25 years old." He started gaining interest in hip-hop around the same time $crim began making beats on a MacBook in the late 2000s. Together, they worshiped local legends like Cash Money No Limit and Lil Wayne, drawing on the success stories around them as inspiration to succeed against difficult odds.
Together, their celebrations and challenges led them to forming their own label, G59 Records, ensuring they maintained control over their music and brand.
The Suicide Boys' early days and building their fanbase
Initially struggling for recognition in their home scene of New Orleans, The Suicide Boys frequently encountered listeners who were dismissive of their homemade CDs. Despite these early setbacks, they focused on building an international fanbase through the internet—a strategy that paid off with particular success in Russia before gaining traction back in New Orleans.
Their music resonated especially with fans who felt like misfits and outcasts, creating a powerful community centered on the group and their message. The strong sense of belonging among their fanbase became a hallmark of The Suicide Boys' identity.
The Suicide Boys' creative process and evolution
The Suicide Boys' creative process is marked by spontaneity and an effort to not overthink, leading to a flow of genuine content. They describe how their best work often comes when not forced and maintain that they've kep ...
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The Suicide Boys' background, musical origins, and creative case
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While DIY ethos and using tools like an iPhone for videos can be empowering, it may also limit the production quality compared to professional equipment, potentially affecting the broader appeal.
- Emphasizing spontaneity and not overthinking can lead to a lack of refinement in their music, which might not resonate with all audiences who prefer more polished and meticulously crafted work.
- The focus on not being boxed into a single genre, while innovative, can also lead to a lack of a cohesive sound, which can make it harder for some fans to connect with their music.
- Building an international fanbase online is impressive, but it may overlook the importance of local community support and the tangible benefits of a strong local following.
- Drawing heavily on influences like Three 6 Mafia and old Memphis sound could be criticized for a lack of originality or over-reliance on past genres instead of creating entirely new sounds.
- While their music resonates with fans who feel like misfits, this niche appeal might limit their audience reach compared to artists with a more universal message.
- The narrative of overcoming hardships and dealing ...
Actionables
- You can explore your cultural roots through music by creating a playlist that combines songs from your local legends with your current favorites, noticing how the sounds and themes have influenced your taste and perspective.
- This activity allows you to understand the evolution of your musical preferences and how they connect to your identity. For example, if you're from Atlanta, you might mix OutKast's early tracks with modern Atlanta hip-hop to see the progression and influence on your own music or listening habits.
- Start a creative journal where you document your spontaneous ideas or feelings without overthinking, aiming to capture the raw essence of your thoughts.
- Keeping a journal like this encourages you to trust your instincts and can lead to more authentic self-expression. For instance, if you're a writer, jot down story ideas or character sketches as they come to you, without worrying about their immediate usability.
- Use your smartphone to create and share content ...
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The Suicide Boys' personal struggles with addiction and recovery
The Suicide Boys, comprised of $crim and Ruby da Cherry, have openly shared their personal battles with addiction and their journey towards sobriety and recovery, illustrating the transformative power of their struggles in both their lives and music.
The Suicide Boys' histories with substance abuse
The Suicide Boys have a history marred by severe addiction issues. Both members, $crim and Ruby da Cherry, struggled with substance abuse involving opioids, stimulants, and other hard drugs for many years, deeply influencing their musical output. $crim described periods of "psychosis" in the creation of their earlier work, which were fueled by their addictions.
$crim started young with substance abuse, numbing his pain with medications like [restricted term], and eventually heroin. By the end of this period, he found himself speedballing all day with large amounts of [restricted term], [restricted term], and any opiates available, including [restricted term] patches. Ruby da Cherry's journey into addiction began at age 13 after a skateboarding injury led to a prescription for [restricted term]; his substance abuse escalated from there.
Their experiences are not just stories of personal struggle but also comment on the broader issue of drug prevalence. They made light of the widespread medication use in their area and the comfort found in community use, providing a glimpse into a shared culture of substance abuse. Their music became a reflection of these experiences, with their addiction struggles bleeding into the very fabric of their songs.
The Suicide Planet's paths to sobriety and recovery
$crim credits sobriety as a turning point for the Suicide Boys, allowing him to take both their music and his life more seriously. Both $crim and Ruby da Cherry have been influenced by sobriety in their newfound perspective and sense of responsibility towards their music and fanbase.
$crim details a journey through rehab and recovery, once being down to only $10,000 and a bag of essentials, a stark contrast to his previous financial successes. However, his resolve to overcome addiction was inspired by a YouTube video featuring Theo. Ruby da Cherry recognized how sobriety affected their creativity, not wanting to squander their mornings and feeling a need to be active and productive.
Sobriety has not just shifted their daily routine and work ethic; it has transformed their music. $crim compares the ...
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The Suicide Boys' personal struggles with addiction and recovery
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
...
Actionables
- You can create a personal playlist that reflects your journey, using music as a therapeutic tool to process emotions and experiences. Start by selecting songs that resonate with your past struggles, then transition to tracks that represent your current state and aspirations for the future. This can serve as a motivational soundtrack for your own transformation and a reminder of how far you've come.
- Develop a habit of journaling to document your progress and reflect on your growth. Set aside time each day to write about your challenges, victories, and the insights you've gained. This practice can help you recognize patterns, celebrate sobriety milestones, and maintain a sense of accountability to yourself.
- Engage with online communi ...
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The cultural and personal experiences of growing up in New Orleans
Ruby da Cherry and $crim of the Suicide Boys open up about how the rich, complex, and often challenging culture of New Orleans has deeply influenced who they are and how they express themselves through music.
The unique cultural and subcultural influences of New Orleans
New Orleans' music scene, particularly genres like bounce and hip-hop, have deeply influenced the Suicide Boys' sound and identity.
The Suicide Boys discuss the immense impact of New Orleans music on their work, naming it as a defining aspect of their artistic personality. They express their love for the Gulf Coast's sound, particularly bouncing and hip-hop, which are staple genres within the local music landscape of New Orleans.
The Suicide Boys draw inspiration from the gritty, DIY, and often unconventional elements of New Orleans culture and communities.
Ruby da Cherry and $crim shed light on the unique attributes of Louisiana culture, which seems to deviate from what is common elsewhere in the U.S. They recount an amusing habit of a known Louisianian to illustrate these unique cultural phenomena, with $crim making candid observations about local habits like pervasive smoking.
The duo also highlights the importance of supporting local artists and the dense talent that can by found strolling in the streets of New Orleans, showcasing an appreciation for their distinctive cultural roots.
The Suicide Boys' personal experiences growing of New Orleans
$crim and Ruby da Cherry had very different upbringings on the North Shore and West Bank of New Orleans, which shaped their perspectives and experiences.
The differences in their upbringings are apparent, as Ruby da Cherry and $crim narrate their childhoods on opposite sides of New Orleans. They open up about the personal transformation they experienced, like $crim's culture shock moving to a predominantly white school and the isolation that ensued. They discuss the prevalence of economic strife, hinting at the struggles they faced in their neighborhoods during their youth.
The Suicide Boys faced challenges like addiction, violence, and economic struggles that were prevalent in their neighborhoods growing are reflected in the Suicide Boys' music and personas.
They touch upon the rough edges of their home city, from $crim's troubled move to Lacombe to his subsequent fight for acceptance in a new, unfamiliar environment. The stories they share indicate that the hardships ...
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The cultural and personal experiences of growing up in New Orleans
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Counterarguments
- While New Orleans' music scene is influential, it's not the only factor shaping an artist's sound; personal experiences and global influences also play significant roles.
- The gritty and DIY aspects of New Orleans culture may be celebrated, but they can also perpetuate stereotypes that overlook the city's diversity and the complexity of its cultural contributions.
- Different upbringings contribute to varied perspectives, but they do not solely define an individual's worldview; other factors like education, travel, and personal relationships also shape one's outlook.
- While the Suicide Boys' music reflects their personal challenges, it's important to recognize that not all artists from similar backgrounds will express their experiences in the same way or choose to focus on such themes in their art.
- Economic difficulties and violence are serious issues, but focusing solely on these aspects can overshadow the positive and resilient aspects of communities facing such challenges.
- The decline of the local music infrastructure post-Katrina is a significant event, but it's also worth noting the efforts to rebuild and the emergence of new venues and platforms for music in New Orleans.
- Culture shock and isolation are common experiences, but they are not u ...
Actionables
- Explore your city's music scene by attending local shows to understand the cultural influences around you. By immersing yourself in the local music environment, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the sounds and stories that shape artists similar to the Suicide Boys. Start by checking out small venues, community centers, or local music festivals, and talk to the performers about their influences.
- Create a personal playlist that features artists from diverse backgrounds within your community. This will help you appreciate the variety of experiences and sounds that contribute to a rich local music culture. Search for local music blogs or community radio stations for recommendations, and curate a playlist that reflects the different parts of your city or town.
- Write your own lyrics or poetry that reflect your personal experiences and ...
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The Suicide Boys' relationship with their fanbase and the industry
The band, The Suicide Boys, has cultivated a unique and intimate relationship with their fanbase while simultaneously navigating the complex and often challenging music industry landscape.
The Suicide Boys' connection with their dedicated fanbase
The Suicide Boys, also known as $crim and Ruby da Cherry, have built an intimate rapport with their fans, often connecting deeply and personally with individuals who resonate with their music and message. Despite their growth, which now hinders their ability to meet all fans after shows, they strive to maintain their genuine connection and acknowledge the important role their fans play.
Ruby da Cherry and $crim express a heartfelt understanding of the importance of being "humanized to them," emphasizing the significance of personal interaction. Their live performances foster a strong sense of community among the audience, sparking enduring relationships and a potent sense of belonging. Ruby jokingly mentions how fans claim to have been supporting them since 2015, reflecting a dedicated and prideful fanbase.
In more practical terms, The Suicide Boys have even brought dedicated fans into their team, leading to substantial roles within their operations. For example, a fan who goes by "our boy six" started handling their social media and working with them on tour, particularly with merchandise, after showing notable initiative.
Ruby also recounts more personalized connections, such as recounting the emotional influence of their band's work on their fans' lives, including stories of saving lives and providing solace to those who felt like misfits. All these instances speak to the profound connection The Suicide Boys have with their fanbase.
The Suicide Boys' experiences navigating the music industry
In stark contrast to their harmonious relationship with fans, The Suicide Boys describe a strained relationship with the local New Orleans music scene, which has offered little support despite their international success. They have faced metaphorical and literal rejection, symbolized by the story of distributing mixtapes at LSU's campus that ended up discarded and ignored.
Adopting a do-it-yourself attitude likely stemming from a mixture of necessity and preference, the duo has rejected traditional pathways to success. They created their own label, G59 ...
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The Suicide Boys' relationship with their fanbase and the industry
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While the Suicide Boys have cultivated an intimate relationship with their fanbase, it could be argued that as they grow in popularity, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the same level of personal connection with each fan.
- The emphasis on personal interaction is commendable, but it might not be scalable or sustainable as the fanbase grows into the millions.
- Bringing fans into their team is a unique approach, but it could raise questions about professionalism and the potential for favoritism or lack of boundaries between the band and their supporters.
- The band's do-it-yourself attitude and rejection of traditional industry pathways can be seen as empowering, but it might also limit their exposure or the resources available to them compared to artists who leverage the traditional music industry infrastructure.
- Creating their own label and prioritizing artistic integrity is admirable, but it could also mean they miss out on the expertise and support that established labels can offer, potentially impacting their commercial success.
- The band's independent approach and reliance on a small, trusted team could lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and ideas that larger, more varied teams might provide.
- The mistreatment they've experienced in New Orleans arenas could be seen as a ...
Actionables
- You can foster a personal connection with others by sharing your own stories and actively listening to theirs during social interactions. By opening up about your experiences and showing genuine interest in what others have to say, you create a two-way street of intimacy and trust. For example, when meeting someone new, instead of sticking to small talk, share a meaningful experience and ask them about a moment that shaped their life.
- Start a grassroots project or initiative based on your passions to build a community with shared interests. This could be as simple as starting a book club, a community garden, or a social media group focused on a specific hobby or cause. The key is to regularly engage with the members, provide value, and encourage collaboration, which can lead to a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
- Embrace a do-it-yourself approach to solve a problem or start a new venture by utilizing free or low-cost resources availa ...
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