Boombox Cartel are iconic. Ever since they blew us away back in 2015 with ‘B2U’, the Cartel’s strength and diversity has only increased. From the breakout smash ‘Supernatural’ with QUIX to the debut CARTEL EP, and the mega anthem that is ‘NEW WIP,’ everything Boombox releases is pure heat.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating the follow-up to CARTEL, and CARTEL II is almost here. We got our first sample of the project with ‘Máquina,’ a beautiful but fierce banger last year. Following with even greater impressiveness came ‘Shadow’ with Moody Good & Calivania. The gripping and emotive track is assured to get you in your feels without letting off the gas. Proving the best was yet to come, the JID assisted ‘Reaper’ raised the bar to new heights last week. Truly the collaboration we didn’t know we NEEDED, it’s nothing short of murderous. The Dreamville emcee skates over the track with killer bars as Boombox matches the energy perfectly. The drops are primed to dominate festivals and clubs with menacing bass and filthy sound design. That’s not even half of what CARTEL II promises, and I can assure you that the remaining tracks do not disappoint.
Hot off ‘REAPER’ and ahead of CARTEL II we caught up with Americo to discuss the upcoming EP, collaborating with JID, the past year, space between projects, dream rap collabs and much more. Check out the full interview below.
How has the last year impacted you personally?
One of the craziest years of my life. The toughest and most inspiring at the same time.
I always liked making beats and demos on flights and greenrooms and not having that slowed my creativity a bit.
Has the time away from touring changed the way you create music? For better or worse?
I think for the worst, not being able to experience crowds, busy airports and other social environments that inspire me to write. I always liked making beats and demos on flights and greenrooms and not having that slowed my creativity a bit.
What was the writing process like on CARTEL II? How do you and Jorge go about collaborating on a body of work?
It’s been a crazy ride to get this album right. It’s a ton of brainstorming and demoing tracks at shows that really help with the feedback of each song. Jorge and I have been making music together for over 10 years and it’s been a cozy vibe having a 2nd pair of ears involved. That’s my homie and I love working with him.
It’s been 4 years since you released the first CARTEL EP. Can you speak to the gap between the projects?
Music you’re proud of takes time, I really enjoy playing out ideas/demos for the fans at shows and build from there. The feedback/energy a crowd gives is one of the most important things I take into consideration when I write music. I owe the fans everything.
I won’t stop till I work with Drake, Travis, or Kendrick.
You’re no stranger to rap collaborations having worked with artists like MadeinTYO, Desiigner & JID. Who’s the one rapper you’re dying to get into the studio with? What draws you to want to work with them?
I won’t stop till I work with Drake, Travis, or Kendrick. What draws me to work with them is to close the circle with the ‘trap’ genre. If you go back about 10 years to the beginning of Boombox, the hip-Hop/rap community scene inspired our sample selection and drums. It gave us so much inspiration and all I can do is give back to the community and keep building.
How did you connect with JID for ‘Reaper’? Can you tell us about how the track came together?
That ID was just a playout for the longest time, it was never the goal to release it. Ever since I opened DDLM2 with it, people loved it. I kept playing it on a couple tours and it just snowballed like I’ve never seen before. ‘Jefe’ had some hype but this one was just something else. Maybe I should’ve dropped it back then, but the track felt empty. I’ve been a fan of JID for a while now and thought he would be the only one to match the energy so I reached out. With our busy tour schedules, it made it difficult to record the track. But when we did, COVID hit so we had to wait a bit longer to release.
Is ‘DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 5’ truly the final installment of the series? If so, why end it now?
5 seems like the perfect number to finish it off.
You have a massive show scheduled for September at the Shrine in LA. How good does it feel to finally be returning to live shows? What are you most excited about around live performances returning?
I forgot how to DJ so this fall will be fun. I seriously can’t wait.
Has success changed the way you make music?
The time touring keeps me out of my studio I would say.
What do you want fans to get out of your music?
Whatever they need, man. Whatever they feel.
Keep going – nobody owes you shit…
Any final words of wisdom?
Keep going – nobody owes you shit, love your parents, fuck the migra, and god bless.
