The track is built on the heavy, hypnotic foundations of Memphis rap, but filtered through Smokey’s distinctively hazy, psychedelic lens. 1. The Sonic Atmosphere
Released during the height of the SoundCloud phonk explosion, this track helped solidify the transition from the dark, occult-heavy "Triple 6" clones to a more playful, yet still heavy, style. Smokey’s use of sound tags (like the iconic "Kush Alien Boy") and video game sound effects added a layer of internet-age surrealism that separated him from his predecessors. 4. Technical Execution DJ Smokey - Ridin Thru (Red Eyez) Do Tha Damn Thing
The track masterfully utilizes vocal chops, a hallmark of DJ Smokey’s work. By pitching down vocals and looping them into rhythmic mantras, he turns the human voice into an additional percussion instrument. The "Do Tha Damn Thing" vocal hook serves as an anchor, creating a repetitive, trance-like state for the listener that is synonymous with the "Red Eyez" aesthetic—suggestive of late-night drives and heavy cannabis culture. 3. Influence and Legacy The track is built on the heavy, hypnotic
"Ridin Thru" isn't just a song; it's an environment. It captures a specific moment in internet music history where Memphis rap, trap, and cloud rap collided to create something entirely new. It remains a go-to example of why DJ Smokey is considered a pioneer of the sound. Smokey’s use of sound tags (like the iconic
"Ridin Thru (Red Eyez) / Do Tha Damn Thing" is a quintessential artifact of the phonk underground, showcasing DJ Smokey’s role as one of the primary architects of the genre's "Positive Squad" era.