RJ Payne has kicked off 2026 with a heavy-hitting new single, “Bring It On”, featuring KXNG Crooked and Kuniva. Produced by PA. Dre, the track combines pure lyricism with gritty delivery and sharp intent, giving each MC space to shine. No gimmicks, just bars.
The track carries added weight for fans of the Shady Records legacy. By bringing together Crooked I (formerly of Slaughterhouse) and Kuniva (D12), Payne fuses two worlds once orbiting Eminem’s label, and does so with respect and intent. On social media, he wrote:
“As a huge fan of the Shady umbrella, it was only right I collab with 2 MCs from 2 legendary groups”.
As a huge fan of the shady umbrella it was only right I collab with 2 mc’s from 2 legendary groups (slaughterhouse) @CrookedIntriago & (D12) @KunivaD12 . Bring it on pd by @Pa_dre_beats drops Friday at midnight !!! pic.twitter.com/9jz5NaojmY
— RJ PAYNE (@IAMRJPAYNE) January 5, 2026
Legacy flows, no compromise
Crooked brings his signature wordplay and laser focus, while Kuniva adds that distinct Detroit edge. Payne holds his own easily, setting the tone with a raw, grounded verse. Together, the trio keep the spotlight on lyrics, flow, and mic presence, staying far from radio formulas.
“Bring It On” arrives as part of a steady stream of music from RJ Payne, who has long rejected industry pacing. Once known in battle rap circles as Reign Man, he now runs a fiercely independent lane with an audience that values consistency and craft.
Eminem’s praise still fuels the fire
Back in 2020, Eminem gave RJ Payne a public nod during an interview with Lil Wayne. For Payne, that moment was life-changing. In a later interview, he explained:
“For Em to know who I am… that’s amazing. I can’t even put that into words”.
He responded with a freestyle and later dropped a full-length album, “He’s a Fucking Animal”, using Marshall’s quote for the title and intro. Since then, he’s released multiple projects, some with Royce 5’9 in the producer’s chair.
Harder, faster, hungrier
“I was already a workhorse”, said Payne back then. “But now that I know Em is watching, I’m going even harder”. That hunger shows on “Bring It On”: a statement of intent and a challenge to anyone who values real rap.
