Friendship with Lil Nas X is over, RMR is my new best friend.

When it comes to the internet there’s a number of formulas to creating a viral sensation.

Lil Nas X’s uncanny ability to draw from meme culture is an example of one certified method, Drill music’s shock value frequently leads to big numbers and with the rise of Tik Tok it’s becoming clear accompanying viral dances are a game changer.

However, when RMR’s ‘Rascal’ started to blow up online this week it was clear that the mysterious artist had channeled a number of different elements. With the video seemingly coming out of nowhere it’s peaked the interest of music aficionados everywhere.

The potential for memes is obvious with RMR donning gold grills and a Saint Laurent vest while simultaneously holding guns with the rest of his crew.

It’s challenging established stereotypes of genre and we are here for it. On first glance you’d expect drill, trap or some type of hip hop and that’s the beauty of this video it’s more Garth Brooks than it is Chief Chief. An ode to the come up and attempts to get out the trap, it’s a refreshing video that meddles with established tropes and encourages the audience to leave any preconceived notions of genre and art at the door.

There’s a hint of mystery to RMR too, with a balaclava covering his face and  not much about him online it’s a teasing first video.

We could wax lyrical for ages about the video, but it’s best you watch it:

THIS IS THE BEST THING TO HIT THE INTERNET #rmr #rascal #rascalflatts #heat pic.twitter.com/hFqybCjnTK

— Alec Epperson (@allywayne) February 28, 2020