As a defining force in hip-hop, Rsonist’s signature sound—anchored in high-pitched soul samples—shaped a generation of rap. But with the release of The Anti-Social Experiment, the producer isn’t just revisiting nostalgia; he’s refining his artistry, offering an evolved version of The Heatmakerz sound that resonates deeply in today’s climate. In a candid conversation, Rsonist opens up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his latest project, and what it means to balance staying true to the roots of his craft while embracing growth. With a new instrumental album and a growing legacy, the producer reflects on his journey and the future of his music.
In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into what drives Rsonist’s evolution as an artist and his vision for what comes next.
Your signature sound with high-pitched soul samples helped define a whole era in hip-hop.
With The Anti-Social Experiment, how did you balance staying true to that nostalgic New York vibe while pushing the sound forward in new ways?
“I approached The Anti-Social Experiment by creating music that felt right for where I am in my life today. I don’t overthink the process because overanalyzing can take away from the authenticity of the music. This project represents a more mature and refined version of The Heatmakerz sound. Twenty years ago, my approach was raw and experimental, with unpredictable drum programming and sample chopping. Now, I focus on a controlled, evolved sound that stays true to the essence of what we do while reflecting growth and the current era.”
Tracks like ‘Where’s The Luv?’ and ‘Paradise’ are packed with emotion and layers.
What was the creative process like for those tracks, and how did they help shape the overall direction of the album?
“The first track I created for the project was ‘Where’s The Luv?’, which ended up becoming the intro. It felt like the perfect opener because it embodies everything a Heatmakerz fan would expect—soulful elements and a nostalgic vibe. I didn’t want to introduce a completely new sound right away, especially on an instrumental project. That track set the tone for the entire album, combining familiarity with the essence of the Heatmakerz.”
Was there anything in particular that inspired the selection of samples for this project?
“The inspiration for the samples on this project came largely from my collaborator, JNS Nothing Less, who curated all the samples specifically for me. He’s from Norway, and every sample used in this project is original—none of them are available online. That exclusivity allowed me to craft a sound that feels deeply intentional. For example, a track like “Still Ready” evokes the essence of feeling like “I’m Ready,” creating a connection through the art. Music, to me, is all about emotion. If it doesn’t make you feel something, it’s a missed opportunity. With this project, I aimed to evoke emotions solely through the music, without relying on lyrics. That was my guiding principle.”
Releasing The Anti-Social Experiment with Fat Beats feels like a perfect match, especially with their roots in vinyl culture
What made them the right partner for this project, and how do you see vinyl keeping the spirit of hip-hop alive?
“Working with Fat Beats was a natural fit for this project, and a big shoutout to my brother Chris Atlas, who I’ve known since childhood. When he reached out about collaborating, an instrumental project felt like the right move. Vinyl, in particular, offers a unique quality to music—a tangible, nostalgic quality that streaming simply cannot match.”
“These days, people want to own a piece of history. Vinyl allows them to hold onto something real—something they can read, appreciate, and connect with. For my first instrumental project, having vinyl was essential. Fat Beats, being a legendary name in hip-hop culture, made the partnership feel even more meaningful. Heatmakerz and Fat Beats represent a shared commitment to preserving that authenticity.”
“Vinyl resonates with the younger generation, much like retro sneakers. It offers a chance to experience a piece of a moment. Years from now, people will still have their copy and remember they were part of this release. For me, this collaboration was like checking off a bucket list item. It’s a perfect match and a tribute to the culture we both hold dear.”
The “Still Ready” instrumental is already blowing up with viral videos from artists like Crank Lucas and Connor Evans.
What’s it like seeing remarkable hip-hop talent connect with your work like that?
“Seeing hip-hop talent like Crank Lucas and Connor Evans connect with ‘Still Ready’ is incredible. As a producer, you create a track envisioning its potential, but when artists take it beyond what you imagined, it feels like an extension of your work. That’s the goal for me—hearing something unexpected and innovative. When artists push creative boundaries and bring something fresh, that’s when we achieve the best results. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the limitless possibilities of music.”
You’ve worked with legends like The Diplomats, Lil Wayne, and Jeezy
How has the journey from hits like “Dipset Anthem” to dropping The Anti-Social Experiment shaped how you approach making music today?
“The journey from creating hits like ‘Dipset Anthem’ to releasing The Anti-Social Experiment has taught me that overthinking is the enemy of creativity. For me, it’s all about feeling—music has to come from an authentic place. When I made ‘Dipset Anthem,’ I was in my mother’s basement, broke, and channeling that raw aggression into the music. Now, I’m in a different place in life, and my music reflects how I’m living and feeling in the moment. I never create tracks with a specific artist in mind; I make what feels right, and whoever connects with it does. That’s the advice I’d give to any artist: make music for yourself, based on your emotions, and the right audience will find you.”
The project title, The Anti-Social Experiment, feels layered
On one hand, it could reflect the introspection of instrumental music, but on the other, it might speak to navigating the current social climate as an artist. What’s the deeper meaning behind the name, and how does it resonate with the themes you explored across the album?
“I have to give credit to my friend I-20 from DTP, who’s been a close friend for over 15 years. I was searching for a name for the project and called him for input because he knows me well. Within minutes, he came back with ‘The Anti-Social Experiment.’ It resonated deeply because it reflects who I am—a natural introvert. Even when I’m surrounded by people in the studio, I’m in my own zone, fully immersed in the creative process.”
“The name also represents how the project came together. It was entirely self-driven, an experiment rooted in my emotions at the time. I didn’t seek opinions or feedback while creating it—it was purely about how I felt. Over the two weeks it took to finish, the music came from a deeply personal place, capturing my moods and feelings in the moment. When you listen to the album, the emotions you hear are a direct reflection of those moments.”
Your work is deeply tied to the tracks, to some of the most iconic rappers, but this album puts the production front and center
When making these beats, did you craft them differently, knowing they would stand alone, or did the process stay true to the way you’ve always built your beats?
“When crafting this project, I focused on striking a balance between staying true to the Heatmakerz sound and adapting it to stand alone as instrumentals. My signature style—heavy sampling, sped-up vocals, and layered percussion—was present, but I made a conscious effort to simplify the production. This allowed room for R&B artists or melodic approaches while keeping the essence of what makes it distinctly Heatmakerz. With just eight tracks, I wanted to provide variety: records like Where’s the Love and Still Ready deliver that classic Heatmakerz energy, while tracks like Paradise and Thoughts bring a more subdued, reflective tone. It was about creating a cohesive experience without overwhelming listeners with one dominant sound.”
What do you have planned for the year ahead? Are there any potential collaborations or projects you may want to tease for 2025?
“I have a few exciting projects lined up. I’m set to work with Joey Bada$$ in the coming weeks and contribute to The Game’s Documentary 3. Jim Jones and I are planning to dive back into El Capo 2, and I’m collaborating with Bishop Lamont from the West Coast to explore some new vibes. M.O.P. also reached out about their upcoming album, which has me especially hyped since I’ve been a huge fan of theirs since the early 2000s. Their energy is unmatched, so I’m gearing up to bring my best to that project.”
“On top of these collaborations, I’ve signed a deal with a new publishing company that’s focused on licensing placements, opening doors for more commercial TV work. I’m just staying open to where the year takes me, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
As time goes on, what would be the legacy you would like to leave behind with your music?
“I haven’t given it much thought, but I hope to be remembered as someone whose work left a mark. I want to be part of the conversation when people reflect on hip-hop’s history. I know I defined a significant three-to-four-year period in this game, and not everyone can say that. I believe I shifted the culture enough that my contributions can’t be overlooked.”
Rsonist’s Evolving Legacy: The Anti-Social Experiment and What’s Next in Hip-Hop
Looking ahead, Rsonist’s trajectory remains marked by his ongoing desire to innovate and evolve, always staying true to the core of what made him one of the most influential producers of the last two decades. Whether collaborating with hip-hop legends like Joey Bada$$ or venturing into the world of TV placements, his commitment to authenticity and emotional connection remains at the forefront of his creative process. The Anti-Social Experiment is not just a moment—it’s a statement about where Rsonist stands today as an artist and where he’s headed tomorrow. His legacy, built on raw emotion and cultural influence, promises to shape conversations in hip-hop for years to come. As the industry moves forward, Rsonist’s ability to blend the past with the future ensures his place as a pivotal figure in the genre’s evolution.
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