I’ve written before about how RLX’s music sticks with me. When I first got into DALÍ, it felt like one of those records you don’t just play once and move on. It stays in your rotation, and it grows on you the more time you spend with it. That’s been my story with RLX, his music keeps proving itself over time.

Now he’s back with a new collab album with Colombian producer Ignorancia Sofisticada, and it’s called Gusto.

Ignorancia Sofisticada has a unique sound. The beats are polished but never overdone, layered, soulful and cinematic. RLX slides right into that space. Together, they make music that’s both sharp and easy to live with. Gusto is fifteen tracks, just over thirty minutes, but it doesn’t waste a second.

Songs like I See, Make My Way, and Ten Fold show exactly why this collab works: RLX is steady and deliberate on the mic, while Ignorancia builds the kind of beats that reward both casual listens and close attention.

I first heard Ignorancia Sofisticada when he shared a story about making the beat for No Rules Clan – Incógnitos Guess (ft. RLX & King Dest). I was late, honestly. Only later did I realize they’d already been working together for years. But there’s always a starting point.

There’s something about the way Ignorancia approaches sampling that sets him apart. Every beat on Gusto feels organic, like it was played live by a full band right there in the room. No over engineering, no shortcuts, no “fast food” loops. I call this non-GMO hip hop. The kind of production that makes you think, yeah, a band could play this on stage and it would sound just as good.

That level of authenticity puts him in rare company. Only a few MCs and producers have ever given me that same feeling, artists like Ka, Roc Marciano, Evidence, MichaelAngelo, and a very select few others. It’s the feeling of trust: once you press play, you know you’re in good hands for the whole ride.

That level of authenticity in the production circles right back to RLX, because it just makes sense why he’s been on such a consistent run. His ear for beats is incredible, he gravitates toward production that isn’t just hot for the moment, but built to last. Pair that with the fact that he makes beats himself, and you realize he’s not just rapping over tracks, he’s curating entire soundscapes that fit his vision.

And then there’s the writing. RLX keeps it steady and true to himself. The pen is sharp, the delivery is clear, and he never feels like he’s forcing something just to catch a wave. You can hear the authenticity every time, spitting truth, showing maturity, and letting those perfectly spoken imperfections breathe through the verses. That’s what makes his work hit different.

In a time when so much music feels temporary, RLX is putting out songs that stay with you. Months later, years later, you can come back and still feel that weight. That’s why I keep paying attention, and why more people should too.

Thank You RLX & Ignorancia: Gusto is Hip Hop Done Right

Gusto feels exactly like its name, made with energy, conviction, and enjoyment. It proves that RLX is still on the rise, and teaming up with Ignorancia Sofisticada only pushes the sound further. The chemistry is undeniable, and it shows what happens when two artists fully locked into their craft come together.

I want to pause here and say thank you to both RLX and Ignorancia Sofisticada. Projects like this don’t just happen by chance, they take vision, patience, and respect for the art form. Gusto is a reminder of why I listen to this music in the first place. Congratulations to you both for putting out something this pure.

And as a fan, I can’t help but dream a little. My wish is to one day hear RLX on a full collab album with producers like DJ Preservation, ETO, V Don or the Step brothers: The Alchemist & Evidence. Hearing that kind of projects would be incredible, and if Gusto is any proof, RLX is more than ready for it.

I’ll keep saying it: RLX deserves more ears. If you’re into real artistry, not just hype, give this album your time. Music like this doesn’t just come and go, it lasts.

“I CAN NEVER QUIT, I’LL FOREVER LIVE” – RLX