Rhode Island artists George Lo and The Buttla visited The Report to discuss the rising momentum behind their collaborative single “No Joke” and the continued development of their joint project, I. The track has become a regional standout, resonating across Rhode Island’s hip-hop community while highlighting the duo’s long-running presence in the scene.
The single draws heavily from the boom-bap foundation that shaped both artists’ creative beginnings. George Lo revisited Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full shortly before recording the track, a decision that influenced the record’s structure and tone. After shelving the song for nearly a year, he sent it to The Buttla, who quickly added two verses that completed the record and pushed the collaboration forward.
Their partnership reflects decades of shared history. George Lo and The Buttla have been recording together for more than 20 years, part of a network of Rhode Island rappers and producers whose connections stretch across multiple generations. The Buttla, now 52, described growing up with early local acts such as Rhode Island Troopers and Big League, during a period when regional rappers felt closely aligned with national movements.
The visual component for “No Joke,” directed by Devon of Astral Visions, reinforces that link to hip-hop’s earlier eras. The production incorporated cars, clothing and stylistic cues tied to the late ’80s and early ’90s, including drop-top BMWs with BBS rims, Supras, Celicas and period-specific sportswear. The shoot spanned multiple days and produced more than 20 hours of footage. While the scale of the wardrobe changes posed a challenge for Lo, The Buttla approached the video with multiple outfits prepared to match the theme.
Both artists emphasized the independent nature of the release. George Lo balances his music with a day job and the operation of two rental studios, allowing him to work without the demands of commercial timelines. The Buttla echoed that sentiment, describing their creative approach as flexible and free of industry pressure.
Live performances of “No Joke,” including a recent appearance at Alchemy, have helped drive interest beyond Rhode Island’s core hip-hop listeners. The artists credited the organic response for giving the record momentum across a wide age range.
Looking ahead, Lo and The Buttla are developing a No Joke mixtape while continuing to record additional material. They are exploring a remix for the single and expressed interest in connecting with newer Rhode Island artists such as Mazy Muka, J Duce and Jabu. They also highlighted The Buttla’s cousin Will from Pawtucket as a collaborator they have recently worked with. Their acknowledgments extended to long-established local names, including Big League, with whom The Buttla has recorded extensively.
As legacy artists continue releasing new music across the broader hip-hop landscape, Lo and The Buttla see the timing as favorable for their own output. With no fixed deadlines and a commitment to maintaining the sound that shaped them, the pair are building on the unexpected traction of “No Joke” while preparing the next phase of their collaborative work.
