Ruthless!

An eclectic five-member hip-hop collaborative based in St. Paul, Minn., Ruthless is a high-energy mix of various rap styles, influences, and inspirations. Consisting of emcees Phatty McGee, MC Rentz, Professor Fresh, Ill P.O.E. and accompanied by the unique performance art of the mysterious Just Smoke, the group formed in 2004 as a result of the disbandment of rap groups Lyrical Pedestrianz and Psychosynthetik.



The group released their debut album, Deliciously Vicious, in March 2005 on the independent label Loonatix Productions. Their first effort, which showcased both their unorthodox stylings and their refusal to be labeled, spawned singles, “Taste This Fist,” “GJYEAH!!!,” “Mandy’s Going Through Some Sh*t,” and “Eat Sh!t Bitch.”



A year and a half later, the group followed up with Strawberry in November of 2006. Their sophomore album offered listeners a more refined and polished Ruthless, with a collection of smoother, more developed tracks that were still as original, fun, and genre-bending as their debut. Standouts on Strawberry include “Push,” “Rotten,” and “Time To Burn.”



Ruthless’ original sound is a result both of the group members’ diverse backgrounds and of their laissez-faire approach in the studio. For example, the majority of the production is split between MC Rentz and Professor Fresh, whose similarities might end with their interest in creating beats.



After making an impact on the Twin Cities’ hip-hop scene, Ruthless is turning its attention to expanding nationally. In fall of 2006, the group toured the east coast and has performed hundreds of shows from Minnesota to New York including the Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop and the annual Gathering of the Juggalos.



Ruthless is currently back in the studio working on their third album, due out the summer of 2009. Instead of having any clear-cut leader (aside from visual art extraordinaire Just Smoke) the group completes its sound by letting each track develop organically as a collective effort.



“Each song is its own adventure and experience. One starts with a beat, a hook, a feeling, and idea,” explained Professor Fresh. “We’re all friends, and since we’re so musically diverse within ourselves, we can bring a lot to the table but also find a common ground. It’s all or nothing – it’s not like a majority rule, it’s everybody or nobody.”



Outside of their involvement with Ruthless, most of the group members are busy with their own solo efforts, side projects, and collaborations. Listening to each member’s solo efforts make it even more clear how the five fit together as a cohesive group with a unified sound.

Professor Fresh "I'll See You Later"From the album 'Serial MCs, Volume 3' available now at Loonatixshop.com!



M.C. Rentz "Neo"From the album 'Serial MCs, Volume 3' available now at Loonatixshop.com!



Ruthless "The Smoking Section"From the album 'Serial MCs, Volume 2' available now at Loonatixshop.com!



Professor Fresh feat. Phatty McGee "Make Way"From the album 'The Fresh Files' available now!



Ruthless - Push:

Directed by BLovely - Edited by Peripheral Productions



Ruthless, Live @ the Quest - Mpls, MN (2005)