Ricky Raw’s bass music top 5

The producer, promoter, and MC shouts out Atlanta’s EDM elite

Ricky Rothstein, aka Ricky Raw, is no stranger to Atlanta’s club music scene. As a producer, MC, and one-third of the hedonistic hip-hop trio Mighty High Coup, his intoxicating wordplay has been the soundtrack to many a hazy night. As the promoter and mastermind behind 404 Day and 808 Fest — two annual celebrations of Atlanta art, music, and culture — he has developed a keen eye for talent. On the heels of his summer hip-hop anthem “Keys, Wallet, Phone,” Raw shouts out his top five bass music favorites.

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“In less than two years, Adam LaRossa (ADHD) and Sterling Pike, aka Pyramid Scheme, have become masters of all styles of electronic dance music. Together, their fiery production and marketing skills have landed them collaborations with Atlanta crunk legends the Ying Yang Twins on the song “Thundercat,” and a slot on the main stage at Imagine Fest — the biggest bass music fest around.”

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Nugz Bunny, aka Corey Herrin, formerly Snellevillain, caught my attention at Opera where he curated and co-headlined a show with Ployd. When it comes to trap and dubstep, Nugz is a force of nature. His set was impressive to say the least, and filled with flawless transitions and original material.”

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“So far, Vandal Rose, aka Roosevelt Council III and Frankie Sinn, have released very little music, but they’re slated to drop some heavy EDM and hip-hop releases this year. Roosevelt, formerly DJ Bel Heir, and Sinn blend elements of rap, trap, and bass music, turning out some of the most impressive songwriting Atlanta’s EDM world has ever seen.”

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DeBroka (of Swoop Gang), aka Zach DeBroka, has been on his grind dropping pleasant melodies over heavily distorted 808 beats and minimal, high-end leads. The rhythms are warm and round, and hit you in the chest. Every single beat I hear on his Snapchat is a certified banger. DeBroka has spent a good bit of time in Los Angeles lately, brewing up some serious power plays for the coming year.”

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“My No. 1 pick is 100 percent clear: Mayhem, aka Anthony Rotella. He has the rap, EDM, and trap production skills with the commitment to match. He is what all DJs strive to be. Mayhem is a veteran, to say the least, who has poured his heart and soul into this city for as long as I can remember. He’s finally getting the national and international acclaim he deserves. His DJ skills are tight, and, in true ATL style, he’s not afraid to get on the mic and hype the crowd. Brilliant production on every track and nonstop touring have solidified his place as the golden child of Atlanta bass music in 2016.”