$20 8ths, cloud rap and vocoders: A Justbainz interview

In a time where kids are nostalgic for a time they never lived in and for an authentic experience they’ll never truly have, the taste of Imogen heap samples, hip hop drums, and teenage existentialism is nectar for Gen-Z’s nostalgia addicts. But it’s in this determined resurgence that elements are forgotten and essence is lost. Things like DIY production, laptop vocals, drenched reverbs and home made cover arts are a forgotten component. These are core pillars which made cloud rap feel especially human, and allowed the genre to immortalise itself in the hearts of many during an Internet age of constant trend re-cycling.

Whilst his work is diverse in style and without undermining his stark versatility, Justbainz is one of the few current artists that could effortlessly sneak right back in at Cloud raps peak unnoticed. Projects like #InDaMIA and #ScratchPop don't solely lie on hollow nostalgia tropes. Instead they act as a time machine back to peak 2010 Metro Zu era, laced with analogue synths and a sound of melancholy futurism. 

Today we speak with Bainz to understand his influences and how him and his music carry forward with the early experimental spirit of Cloud rap. 

Tell us about the week in Miami that #IndaMia is based off?

The week in Mia was a break from the cold up North. I was fresh off a T break, so I was just feeling the Miami vibes by the ocean waves.

What strains do you like?

Peanut butter breath and sour. To be honest, I don’t care about strains like that. I go to the corner store, cop a $20 8th every couple days lmao, I just need to smoke.

You’ve built up quite a large discography in a short period of time, what’s your approach like for making and releasing music?

I really been doing this since like 2019 for real. I just do what feels and sounds right. I get specific influences at certain times depending on the point i’m at in life. I try not to stay on a certain vibe for too long, I don't want to become a gimmick. I just try to transfer feeling into the music, whether it’s through the groove or sounds or whatever.

Is there a project you made from the past you still listen to a lot, or hold close to you?

I really only listen to whatever I made recently and move on quick. Some of my 2024 tapes I still bump, like Be Right Back. But right now, I’m just bumping scratch pop and In Da MIA.

How would you describe your sound?

Psychedelic, wavy, abstract rap with electronic undertones.

You have some dope sample choices. Where do you look for drum breaks?

I use a lot of basic DnB or breakcore drum breaks and chop them up a lot like I was DJing, or I’ll make a break myself.

Favourite cover arts from other artists?

My favourites are probably Lali Puna’s Tridecoder, Metro Zu King Astro Slikk the Magnificent, or Las Más Sueltas, El Más Grandeby Elysia Crampton.

Other than rap, what and who else do you listen to?

I listen to a lot of psy-trance, 2000s R&B like Ne-Yo, hard bass, 90s dub dancehall and house music. Synth pop, electro pop, trip hop, electronica, etc.

I’ve noticed you referenced Yung Bruh quite a bit. What draws you to his music?

For Yung Bruh it’s really the LSD rap for real, that’s where I got my based powers from. Although, I reference Yung God a lot more.

How’d you start working with Fakemink?

Me and mink got cool around 2023. I used to use his music on my IG stories and he was fucking with my sound. He showed me love and tried giving me advice.

Who you enjoying working with rn?

Right now I’m mainly solo, but I like Chocolate Thunder.

Is there anything you want to learn more of or experiment with production wise?

Nothing at the moment. I’m just going with the flow and whatever path I get lead to imma do it my way. 

What can you tell us about your new tape #IntoDaNight?

I'm from the future 🤖.