$crim & Ruby da Cherry draw heavily from '90s Memphis Rap (Three 6 Mafia, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Lord Infamous), early Cash Money (Lil Wayne), and the darker themes of underground hip-hop, blended with Ruby's punk rock background and $crim's trap production, creating their signature dark, horrorcore-infused sound. They sample classic Southern hip-hop, incorporating gritty street narratives, depression, and substance use into their lyrics, influenced by their own difficult upbringings in New Orleans
Key Influences
Memphis Rap & Southern Hip-Hop: The core sound of the group, especially the dark, hypnotic beats and lyrical style of Three 6 Mafia and affiliated artists like MC Mack and Skinny Pimp, became the "spine" of their music.
Trap Music: $crim's background in trap production, influenced by the local sounds of New Orleans and dealing houses, heavily shapes their beats.
Punk Rock: Ruby da Cherry's extensive background as a drummer in punk bands brought an aggressive, raw energy and ethos to their sound, notes Shortform.
Cash Money Records: Early exposure to artists like Juvenile and Lil Wayne's "The Block Is Hot" was foundational for both members.
Other Hip-Hop: They also incorporate influences from underground legends, hip-hop's golden era, and even elements of vaporwave's aesthetic in some tracks.
Personal Struggles: Their lyrics are deeply rooted in their real-life experiences with addiction, depression, poverty, and growing up in New Orleans, mirroring the hardship themes found in Memphis rap.
How They Use Influences
Sampling: They frequently sample obscure Southern hip-hop tracks, directly paying homage to their roots.
Production: $crim's beat-making blends traditional trap elements with lo-fi sounds and dark, atmospheric textures, notes Wikipedia.
Themes: Their music explores themes of mental health, substance abuse, and nihilism, drawing from their personal battles and the dark undercurrents of Southern street culture.