In his new EP Dedicated 2 Disrespect, LSDXOXO invites us into a fantasy where he defies the limits of genre and gender while celebrating the bliss of queer sexuality and the liberating potential of fluidity.
The Philadelphia-born DJ and producer LSDXOXO, also known as Raushaad ‘RJ’ Glasgow, has already made a name for himself within the vibrant New York underground scene thanks to his unforgettable contributions to the iconic GHE20GOTH1K parties at Venus X. From his early dabblings with music production software to his DJ sets blending together a storm of wildly eclectic references, he has demonstrated an ability to defy categorization and constantly surprise us with perpetual reinventions of his own identity.
Now living in Berlin, the talented musician is shifting to a new aspect of his craft by placing an emphasis on his own voice. Out on XL Records, his new EP Dedicated 2 Disrespect showcases this artistic shift in four club bangers fueled by an irresistible sexual charge. Yet, the subversive quality of the release extends beyond its welcome display of an uncompromising queer eroticisim, as its genre-bending twist virulently takes on the Berlin scene’s tendency to maintain clear distinctions between musical styles.
“The Devil fuck me good,” LSDXOXO proudly boasts with his warm and alluring voice in the EP’s opening track. In its appropriation of satanic imagery, “The Devil” serves as a compelling alternative to Lil Nas X’s mainstream representation of queerness in “Montero” through its rejection of the conventions of pop. By privileging sonic experimentation over crowd-pleasing concessions, the artist remains true to his vision as he celebrates his own sexual agency over a refreshing fusion of hip hop, house, IDM, and much more.
As the EP progresses, LSDXOXO’s seductive power takes a stronger hold. In “Baby,” the obsessive repetition of the track’s title highlights a softer side to his persona and renders him all the more endearing, while “Sick Bitch” brilliantly reveals his passion for kinky sex. His invitation to “test the limits” of his “gag reflex” has already been made iconic by its feature in DJ sets by the likes of VTSS, further cementing his status as an otherworldly superstar with the ability to intrigue techno fanatics and hyperpop enthusiasts alike.
“Mutant Exotic,” the closing track of the EP, playfully wraps things up with a titillating ode to fluidity, ambiguity and fantasy. As he says “maybe I’m the devil, maybe I’m a goddess,” LSDXOXO intentionally blurs the lines surrounding his identity, while also defying gender norms by embracing both male and female signifiers. Framing himself as a being from outer space ready to “invade,” he tells us that he is “sending out a signal, hoping that [we] understand it.” It has been received loud and clear, and has us dying to hear more.
– Théophile Gatté
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