EDITORS’ NOTES

The two qualities that keep Rittz relevant are his blinding technical ability and his emotional honesty. Where the fast-rap theatrics of someone like Twista reflect the slickness of city life, Next to Nothing is proudly country. That’s not to say it’s conservative. “Turn Down,” “In My Zone,” and “Crown Royal” envelope the listener in sheets of glistening electronic sound, but Rittz’s down-to-earth persona keeps the record rooted in real-life struggle. Few rappers can unleash such complicated rhymes and remain relaxed. Even at its most intense, Next to Nothing makes for a strangely soothing and frequently hypnotic listening experience.