In June 2024, I shared to these pages Speed, a collaboration between Sacramento, USA-based rapper, singer and songwriter Showtime Ramon, and Brooklyn-based producer ProjectPorter. The pair liked working together so much, they’ve now released a new EP, Pressure.
By Graeme Smith
Speed was the third of Showtime Ramon’s releases I shared in 2024, with two other albums – The Abominable Snowman and Goat Skin – marking a prolific year for the artist. It seems like 2025 is going to be just as busy for him.
Pressure is the name of his and ProjectPorter’s new EP, giving us fives fresh tracks for us to sink our proverbial teeth into. The EP starts biting enough thanks to the racy CarChase. It’s an atmospheric opener with the production giving us plenty to chew over before Showtime Ramon’s memorable, pop-culture-reference-filled rap comes in. For almost two minutes it’s relentless.
Back Seat starts soulfully before packing a percussive punch. Madonna is filled with old school bombast. Mitch Green is a dark and broody moment with plenty of edge. Pipe Dream closes the collection in lo-fi style, giving plenty of space to the braggadocios lyrics.
Showtime Ramon’s sound certainly won’t be for everyone but if you’re fan of old school hip hop and are don’t mind lyrics that skirt close to the edge, then you’re going to find a lot to love about what he’s putting out. He’s a hard worker and has found the perfect production partner in ProjectPorter. Their new EP is more evidence that they’re ones to be reckoned with.
Pressure is out now and you can give it a listen below.