Two Artists, One Mission: Crafting Sound That Moves People
The East Coast has long been a breeding ground for innovators, and two names rising from its streets and studios are proving just how deep that legacy runs: Rasta Tahj and JustRuss. Together, the two genre-bending forces are shaping a new chapter in hip-hop and soul, one that blends raw lyricism, precision engineering, and timeless emotion.
Rasta Tahj: Building Legacy Through Sound
Rasta Tahj isn’t just another artist in the mix—he’s a visionary who bridges the gap between the street and the spiritual. Known for his hypnotic flows, cinematic production, and master-level engineering, Tahj is a rare hybrid: a songwriter with the technical skills of an elite sound architect. His fingerprints are on records across the underground and mainstream, earning him recognition not just as an artist, but as one of the most meticulous audio engineers of his generation.
Speaking on his upcoming project, Roster for Life, Volume Two, Tahj explained that the inspiration came directly from a summer of growth—both personal and professional. Having recently worked with Kanye West as a writer, he channeled that experience into an 11-track album brimming with intention and energy.
“This album is really just the update for my fans and listeners to let them know what’s going on,” Tahj said. “Working with Kanye, seeing my family’s pride—my grandfather especially—it inspired me to motivate others and put that in the music.”
The process was as relentless as it was inspired. Starting in May, Tahj recorded over 60 songs, narrowing them down to 11 standouts produced by himself, JustRuss, Forrest Gibbons, and other DMV collaborators. Heavy-hitter features, including Kanye’s longtime friend Really Doe and rising artist Dave Thoughts, cement the project as a bold statement piece.
For Tahj, it’s bigger than music. It’s about building a legacy that reflects discipline, creativity, and community. “I want people to wake up, play my album, and feel ready to get to it,” he said.
JustRuss: The Beatmaker Who Builds Worlds
Hailing from Washington D.C. with deep roots in southern Virginia, JustRuss (aka AyoRuss) has been sculpting soundscapes for more than a decade. His music sits at the crossroads of trap, R&B, pop, and hip-hop storytelling—anchored by hard-hitting drums and melodies that carry a spiritual undertone from his early church upbringing and Virginia Beach influences.
For Russ, production is more than layering beats; it’s about crafting worlds that artists and listeners can live inside of. His favorite part of the creative process is when he gets to bring an entire vision to life.
“I love adding the little nuances—intros, outros, interludes,” Russ explained. “Song placement, energy flow, those transitions that make one track bleed into the next. And honestly, there’s nothing better than when an artist brings me a sample or vibe they’re looking for, and I can bring it to life. When we both feel it, that’s everything.”
Russ’s versatility shines through collaborations like Roster for Life, Volume Two, where his production adds depth and cohesion to Tahj’s vision. Whether he’s building moody late-night vibes, chart-ready bangers, or heartfelt tracks that linger, Russ crafts with a precision that makes his work both contemporary and timeless.
Together: Raising the Standard
What unites Rasta Tahj and JustRuss isn’t just geography—it’s their shared dedication to excellence. Tahj pushes himself to create music with purpose, layered with meaning and ambition. Russ pushes boundaries in production, obsessing over the fine details that elevate an album from a playlist to a full experience.
Together, they’re redefining what East Coast artistry looks like in 2025: sharp, soulful, and grounded in craft. Neither is chasing trends—they’re building legacies.
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