2Rare Samples Amerie in “Buss Down (1 Thing)”: Inside Philly’s Rising Star’s Biggest Pop-Rap Anthem Yet

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through music TikTok or catching up on the latest hip-hop releases over the last few years, you’ve almost certainly run into 2Rare. The Philadelphia-born artist has this crazy knack for making an impact that feels instant, but if you look closer, his rise isn’t just a fluke. He’s only been seriously rapping for a few years, yet in that short window, he’s built a fiercely loyal fan base that stretches way beyond his hometown.

Sure, the playful videos, viral dances, and infectious energy make it look easy, but the truth is the 20-year-old isn’t just an overnight internet sensation. He has quietly put in the time and done his homework. He’s carved out a distinct sound that stays firmly planted in the gritty reality of the streets, while still capturing the youthful joy and endless potential that have made him Philly’s newest young champion.

Now, he’s taking things to a whole new level with his blockbuster single, “Buss Down (1 Thing)” featuring Amerie. And honestly? It’s one of those samples that actually lives up to the hype.

The Backstory: From Philly Streets to Mainstream Recognition

To understand why 2Rare matters right now, you have to look at where he came from. Philadelphia has always had one of the most distinct, fiercely proud music cultures in the country. From gritty battle rap history to club music revolutions, the city demands authenticity.

When 2Rare first broke through, he did it by blending high-energy club rhythms with an athletic, dance-heavy presentation that set him apart from the traditional trap mold. He wasn’t just standing behind a microphone; he was putting on a full-blown performance.

Yet, long-term success in hip-hop requires evolution. A lot of young artists blow up off a single viral moment and fizzle out because they don’t know how to transition into a real album artist. 2Rare, however, has approached his career with a level of intentionality that belies his age. He studies the game, respects the legends who came before him, and knows how to blend modern internet culture with timeless music blueprints.

That approach led directly to his biggest collaboration yet: teaming up with R&B royalty to flip a true 2000s classic.

Breaking Down “Buss Down (1 Thing)”: How Hitmaka and 2Rare Revived a 2005 Classic

Produced by the hitmaking machine Hitmaka, “Buss Down (1 Thing)” is a masterclass in interpolation and sampling done right. Instead of just throwing a nostalgic beat behind a new verse, the track brilliantly reimagines Amerie’s 2005 smash hit “1 Thing.”

If you were anywhere near a radio, a club, or a TV in 2005, you know that unmistakable go-go drum beat. It’s one of those rare instrumental intros that makes you want to start moving the second it hits your ears.

For 2Rare, sampling this track is practically a full-circle life moment. By his own account, he was only about five years old when the original song dropped, hearing it blasted through his mother’s speakers. Fast forward to today, and he’s not only sampling it—he actually got Amerie herself to step back into the booth to lay down brand-new vocals.

Hearing Amerie’s signature, soaring delivery mixed with 2Rare’s rapid-fire melodic rap style creates a dynamic contrast. It bridges two completely different eras of black music, proving that great energy transcends generations.

Why “Buss Down (1 Thing)” is Dominating Playlists Right Now

• The Ultimate Era-Blending Collab: It bridges the gap between mid-2000s R&B nostalgia and modern, high-energy internet rap, giving older fans a hit of familiarity while hooking a younger demographic.

• Top-Tier Production Value: Hitmaka keeps the driving, percussion-heavy go-go groove of the original intact while beefing up the low end for contemporary club systems.

• Charismatic Visuals: True to 2Rare’s brand, the music video is a high-octane affair directed by BAHSPOV, leaning into playful aesthetics, great choreography, and infectious chemistry between the artists.

• Cross-Format Appeal: Because it leans so heavily into pop melodies and classic R&B hooks, the track works just as well on pop radio and workout playlists as it does on underground hip-hop charts.

What’s Next for Philly’s Young Champion?

The beauty of 2Rare’s career trajectory is that he refuses to stay boxed into one category. He can give you aggressive street anthems, smooth party tracks, and now, high-profile pop-rap crossovers that respect the foundation of 2000s R&B.

By paying homage to legends while keeping his finger firmly on the pulse of Gen-Z internet culture, 2Rare is showing everyone that he’s built for the long haul. “Buss Down (1 Thing)” isn’t just a fun radio track; it’s a statement piece proving he can hang with the greats and turn a classic into his own playground.

Whether you’re blasting it in the car with the windows down, discovering it through a viral dance challenge, or just appreciating how well the sample was flipped, one thing is certain: 2Rare is just getting started, and Philly has a lot more to look forward to.