Audio: Ron Artiste (Ron Artest) – I Will ft. Chali 2na & Roc C

No, the renowned baller, courtside brawler, rapper and label exec formerly known as Ron Artest hasn’t decided to breathe new life into his music career by changing his name to the slightly posher “Ron Artiste”—as far as I know, he’s still perfectly happy with September’s decision to roll with “Metta World Peace.” Instead, the moniker refers to Jurassic 5 alumnus Chali 2na and Oxnard spitter Roc C, coming together as a duo to bring us world premiere #19 in The DJBooth and Event Electronics’ 20/20 Music Series. A whip-ready motivational anthem with an underground twist, I Will finds G Koop blending keys, backing vocals and mid-tempo percussion into a driving backdrop for the emcees’ reflections on the hardships and triumphs of the hustle. While Roc focuses on depicting the harsh realities of his inner-city milieu in is opening bars, 2na brings the jam to an uplifting conclusion, expressing his determination to be more than a product of his environment. The result is likely to leave listeners fiending for a full-length project from the twosome—or have I got it twisted? Either way, keep it locked for one more 20/20 Music premiere before the month is out, and click here to learn how you can win a pair of Event’s new 20/20 BAS monitors.