“Old English” is a frantic, panicked sounding track with three of rap’s coolest customers supplying the cold street raps you’d expect. The likes of Young Thug, Freddie Gibbs, and A$AP Ferg just don’t disappoint. The Salva and Nick Hook-produced instrumental intertwines pedantic chimes, deep piano keys, snaps, and rolling trap drums keep the track spinning. After watching RUFFMERCY’s visuals for “Old English” though, your head will be spinning in all different directions.
With jittery cuts and drawings keeping up with the tone, we see Thugger, Gibbs, and Ferg all receive animated treatments for their verses. Their floating heads cut around the screen as their words come to life through clever animated sequences and Basquiat-style darks contrasting with more neon accents. But mainly, it’s hilarious to see Young Thug’s preposterous verse drawn out like RUFFMERCY does.
Check out the “Old English” video below for a treatment in urban art history and to spin back one of 2014’s craziest cuts.
