Underground Artists Collaborate on New Album “Zapisi iz Podzemlja”

Alternative musician and multimedia artist Marko Janjušević, known as Janjo, along with Podgorica rapper Batrić Belojević, also called Ronaldo Maximum, have reunited to release a collaborative album titled “Zapisi iz Podzemlja.” On February 15, 2024, the duo launched their first single, “Đavolja posla,” which will feature on a compilation that includes ten tracks.

In an interview with Pobjeda, Janjušević described the upcoming release as a “modern hybrid of boom bap.” He elaborated that the tracks combine a psychedelic, often slow tempo with heavy bass and sharp lyrics, interspersed with humorous samples. The album’s title suggests a project steeped in underground culture, serving as a tribute to Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Artistic Vision and Collaboration

Janjušević explained that while they can see reflections of themselves in the protagonist of Dostoevsky’s works, the reference is more about the album’s impactful title rather than any specific literary debates. “When Ronaldo suggested this name for the album, we instantly knew it was the right choice,” he stated. Their aim is to create “a genuine street underground album for future generations.”

He believes they have succeeded in this mission, weaving personal narratives into their lyrics while subtly addressing social commentary. “You cannot escape being part of society,” he said. The album carries a dark aesthetic, yet it is filled with humor, aiming to entertain listeners while guiding them through various themes. “There’s a lot of dark humor, satire, and absurdity, but behind that facade lies personal confession and reality,” Janjušević added.

The duo quickly established the sound they wanted to achieve. Janjušević noted that a significant aspect of the project is the interplay of stories told in the dialects of Podgorica and Nikšić. “I learned that rhymes written in the Podgorica accent don’t fit the beat if pronounced in the Nikšić way and vice versa. The different accents make for a comedic contrast,” he explained. The collaboration marks a rare partnership between artists from the two cities, and he expressed pride in creating a complete album that unites them.

Shared History and Creative Process

Janjušević and Belojević have known each other for over a decade, having performed together at various shows. Janjušević recalled sharing the stage with Belojević when he was performing with his band, Manitou. After being impressed by Belojević’s debut album, Janjušević invited him to feature on his project, leading to their ongoing collaboration.

After sending the first beat to Belojević, Janjušević received a powerful verse in return within hours. “That inspired me to keep creating beats to match the energy we captured. Within a few weeks, we had ten demo tracks ready for the studio,” he shared. Both artists were pleasantly surprised by their creative chemistry, describing the project as one of the most spontaneous they have ever worked on. Janjušević hopes that this enthusiasm translates to their audience.

The album features a straightforward formula: strong, “thick” beats with engaging rap lyrics. “The entire release maintains a similar tone—dark yet comedic,” he revealed.

Musical Trends and Future Directions

When asked why they chose to pursue a return to hip-hop roots instead of following the dominant trap trend, Janjušević noted that trap has experienced a decline in popularity globally over the past few years. He observed a resurgence of boom bap through several strong record labels. “We both enjoy this genre, so it’s not a stance against trends, but rather a pursuit of music we love,” he stated.

Janjušević remarked that trends tend to wear out, which is a natural occurrence in the music industry. “Authentic stories in music are rare, so people resonate with them when they find them among countless formulaic works. There is undoubtedly a wealth of quality music that goes largely unnoticed,” he asserted.

In a discussion about the impact of artificial intelligence on music production, Janjušević mentioned that he avoids using AI-driven tools and software. He supports the decision by the platform Bandcamp not to publish AI-generated content. He expressed concern that as technology advances, it may soon become difficult to distinguish between music created by humans and that produced by AI.

“I have no idea where this is all headed. Sometimes I hear a great song, and when I check the author, I find out it’s AI. I feel both disappointed and amazed at the same time. We are undoubtedly on the brink of a new era. Currently, no one knows what awaits us,” he concluded, envisioning a future where acoustic instruments may define true underground music.