The White Rhino: Changing the Game

May 23, 2011 6 comments

The White Rhino – Underwater by DOS Entertainment

Julian Rhine, aka The White Rhino, is a Brooklyn based hip-hop artist, though I wouldn’t call what he does hip hop per-se. Rather, he seems to transcend genres, fuse worlds together, and pioneer a new style that one might call “electro-pop-hop.” Or you can just call it hip-hop.

This guy is as rare as the creature to which his name is an homage. The White Rhino produces his own beats and writes his own lyrics. His EP, Just the Tip, and his self-titled debut album burst onto the scenes last December, showcasing his eclectic musical tastes. Check out the tunes in this post, and if you like what you hear you can check out his website and get the EP here, just hit the download button.

The Rhino was generous enough to give me a few minutes of time for a one-on-one interview. After talking with him, I feel like “ridiculous” is a good word to describe him. Keep in mind that the best rappers are pretty ridiculous.

Q: What are the influences that have helped shape The Rhino, both musical and not?
A: Musically, I’d say the artists influencing my specific style would be Kanye West, Ki D CuDi, Biggie, and then some other bands like Radiohead and Nirvana. Just all the stuff that I like to listen to. But I don’t really do music like Nirvana, although “Nothing to Me (Anymore)” definitely has a rock edge.Non-musically, the usual bullshit. Friends and family are always inspiring me to do great things, supporting me, and I try to support them back. I also watch a lot of TV: Southpark, Seinfeld, Chappelle’s Show, Always Sunny (in Philadelphia).

Q: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
A: I’d probably be dead.

Q: What is your favorite song on the album?
A: It depends on the day, but probably “Nothing to Me (Anymore).” I spent the most time on it and I think it has the best chorus. Ideally, if I could combine the sort-of musicality and raw emotion of that song with the pop-appeal of aviators, that’s what I’m going for the second album.

Q: Is it true that if you don’t use it you lose it?
A: I’m always usin’ it, just to be on the safe side… I don’t wanna lose it.

Q: blah blah blah?
A: blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!

Q: Got anything you want the world to know?
A: White Rhino Wednesdays just started a few weeks ago. Like me on my facebook page. Every Wednesday we will have a new song posted that will ultimately either be a part of the upcoming 2011 mixtape or part of the 2011 LP. I’m hard at work and ready to deliver. In addition to the live shows, we are also hard at work on new material.

One of my favorite songs on the album is Underwater, the first of the 11 tracks. It’s a little different than the rest of the album, but I think it sets the mood well. Even on this first track, you can tell the kid can rhyme and I think the song gives you a little bit of perspective into the Rhino’s life. The lyrics have a certain edge about them, seemingly out-there, yet relatable. The Rhino must have had a couple of tough months somewhere along the road. Maybe he got dumped… Underwater suggests that it’s inevitable that life is going to hand you a bunch of bullshit; bite the bullet and deal with it. All the struggles and hard-aches are the just beginning, because things will get better. Just flip ahead to There’s a Light if you don’t believe me (below)!

Though not a concept album, the songs flow together with calculated precision that one can only get with a protractor… Skeptical? Quit bitchin’. Give it a shot. The sounds of the Rhino (not to be confused with a National Geographic porno) will hook you in. Chances are you’ll find yourself saying, “Hey, white boy can produce some beats.” Hang in there for another minute and you’ll hear the whole spectrum of the Rhino’s skills. About halfway through his pre-game, get-amped-up anthem, Aviators, you’ll find yourself saying, “Holy shit, this kid can flow!” Just try it, it only takes a few minutes. Aviators is below.

The Rhino is currently at work on his second album, which will be geared more towards fitting his electro-pop-hop style. Expect something along the lines of aviators, but for adults.

I actually had the chance to check out The White Rhino in Vegas, and I was majorly impressed. Dude came out in a white blazer, hyped the crowd up for a minute and then got right into it. I assure you, there are no gimmicks to his speed, no auto-tune bullshit, no nonsense. He’s just really good. His shows are high energy and Rhino is all over the place. Again, ridiculous.

Check out some live concert action of Rhino here.

Much more to come from the Rhino in the future!

Keep in mind: I’m not a critic, I just review shit.

The White Rhino – There’s a Light by DOS Entertainment

The White Rhino – Aviators by TheWhiteRhinoNYC