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By: Grant Kelly, Contributor

[RiTchie; 2024]

Rating: 6/10

Key Tracks: “RiTchie Valens”, “Dizzy”, “How?!”

Between the dissolution of Injury Reserve, and the resulting formation of duo By Storm, the past couple years have been an eventful period for Nathaniel Ritchie. Separate from his collaborative efforts, the rapper—now going by the moniker RiTchie—has begun his foray into solo music, with Triple Digits [112] marking his full-length debut. 

RiTchie has made it clear, through various interviews and social media statements, that this album is meant to be a separate entity from his prospective work with By Storm, stating that: “People talk about the last [Injury Reserve] record like it’s a reclusive album you listen to alone in your room. I wanted to make something closer to the music I listen to on a daily basis – and something my friends can drive around and listen to.” This more carefree attitude and sense of artistic freedom is made abundantly clear when listening to Triple Digits [112]. The songs tend to come off as more silly, upbeat, and overall lower-stakes than his other recent endeavors, even if the experimentation and eccentricity he became known for with Injury Reserve and By Storm still lines every inch of the album. 

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The songs “WYTD?!?!” and “RiTchie Valens” waste no time kicking the album into gear, featuring clattering percussion samples and psychedelic synth beds that make RiTchie’s already infectious vocal hooks and playful turns of phrase all the more electrifying. “The Keepers”, “Triple Digits [112]”, and “Looping” see RiTchie throwing countless ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks. Filtered vocal samples, atmospheric synths, rumbling industrial percussion, and funny self-referential bits of dialogue all make appearances in the mix, keeping the album lively and moving at a pace where the less desirable elements don’t overstay their welcome. 

“Dizzy (feat. Aminé)” might be the most immediately catchy song on the album. The song contains a snappy drum beat and glitching, jazzy sample that’s been stretched past the point of recognition, setting the stage for the two rappers to trade braggadocious verses that are as cleverly worded as they are just plain fun.  

“How?! (feat. Niontay)” and “Get A Fade” take an unexpected but pleasing turn, being built around bitcrushed ambient synths that give the songs a uniquely dreamy, yet digital feel that RiTchie’s voice is surprisingly well-suited for. “5onthe.” ends the album on a similarly atmospheric, borderline lullaby period of tranquility—made amusingly intentional by the cartoonish snoring sound effects that accompany the instrumental—narrated by RiTchie’s signature introspective, off-the-cuff style of sing-rapping trademarked on various Injury Reserve songs prior. 

Triple Digits [112] is a bit of a mess, but in a lot of the right ways. Its song ideas don’t always pan out, and the album might not be the most focused project RiTchie has ever had his hands on creating, but it continues to solidify his status as one of hip hop’s most uncompromising visionaries and inventive songwriters. It also has some certified bangers to deliver in the process. 

Listen here: