Classic rap clarity, smooth storytelling and strong grooves – Ju$t Tha Realne$$ launched a multitude of projects in recent months, with the album Leistung Musik being a huge turning point for the Lower East Side rapper, and the subject of our recent Interview.
Noting 20,000 monthly listeners and counting, the realness and talent, the nostalgia and personality is clearly something hip hop fans have been craving, and here we take a look at why this might be.
From the 2025 album Leistung Musik, Barbarian Crown sees Ju$t Tha Realne$$ collaborate with Raxiel El Leon, for an uplifting rap track with dynamic verses and a huge and catchy riff and hook. It’s one of his most memorable songs to date, an instant earworm with a sense of story and depth that’s poetic and impactful, and for the new listeners, it’s a powerful gateway into the sound and style of Ju$t Tha Realne$$.
Also released last year, the single No-Substance depicts a sharp lyrical backbone, and a playful electro-trap groove that’s instantly distinct. Here we lean towards originality and artistic freedom, and the flow is equally diverse, as we march through a series of images, scenes and experiences that feel again impressively new in their framing and poetry.
Ju$t Tha Realne$$’ repertoire speaks for itself at this point, with albums dating back to 2023 still resounding as timeless and engaging. Consider the stunning track No L.O.V.E, from Withdraw from Failure. The evocative intentions are seamless, a piano-led hip hop beat, with subtle strings and a mellow delivery from our leading artist. The hook is sharp and smart again, and the subject matter is enthralling, vulnerable, heartfelt, and quietly confident in its rightful realness.
Elsewhere we get an indie rock guitar riff at the forefront, to further secure the clear passion and connection to music that proves unlimited for Ju$t Tha Realne$$. The voice and storytelling is unmistakable as ever on Multiple Issues, but the mainstream pop-rock production and that pop-punk chorus add an edge of versatility and anthemic euphoria that’s completely unexpected, and brilliantly poignant in this setting.
There’s a fearless sense of personal outpouring to the lyrics and performances, and this is what threads together the authenticity and emotion of all things Ju$t Tha Realne$$.
From the same project, Know Her Worth is a smooth jazz and RnB take, with a romantic and heartfelt appreciation for women resounding again with a fearless commitment from the artist. The featured hook is classic and catchy, and the bars, the melodies, all weave in something equally confident and rare, when expressing gratitude for and awareness of the value of women.
“Women are forever God’s gift to the Earth, they’re the one’s who have to carry the burden of birth.”
This track is followed by the dreamy and colourful uplift of a distinctly produced and finely written afrobeat jam You Got Me. Another earworm, a genre-movement unexpected but fitting, with more boldly genuine bars and poetic sentiments from the leading rapper Ju$t Tha Realne$$.
The quality and skill is undeniable, and the songwriting is superb – something often missing from much of independent rap. It’s a voice of value, respect, and self-belief, and this inspires as you listen through an eclectic and memorable catalogue of music.
Ju$t Tha Realne$$ was born to write songs in this way, to tell stories and perform in a calm and captivating manner, and these tracks are timeless, clean, compelling, and always a pleasure to revisit. It’s no mystery at all why his music is swiftly rising up through the ranks. Work ethic and talent speak volumes increasingly. One to know about this year.
Find Ju$t Tha Realne$$ on Instagram, Facebook.
