DuctTape Jesus Presents Controlled Madness On “Private School”

Few artists in Richmond hip-hop command attention quite like DuctTape Jesus. Past or present. Whether he’s tearing through verses in a dimly lit venue or blasting through your headphones, his presence is magnetic. Raw. Unpredictable. Impossible to ignore. Thanks to the team at Tafari Studios, that same electricity translates effortlessly to the screen in a live performance video for his track “Private School,” released earlier this year.

Built around a grimy, hypnotic beat from the enigmatic producer ItsLolita, “Private School” bears all the hallmarks of a DuctTape Jesus classic: manic thoughts, feverish flow, surreal realism, and a creative energy that feels both larger-than-life and deeply personal. It’s chaotic precision, a signature blend that turns every verse into a jolt of controlled madness.

Shot by Keith Blvck, the video captures DTJ prowling through a humble living room, flowing beneath a dangling golden mic that loses all its luster next to the engrossing artist. At times, he barks at his reflection, confronting himself in the mirror, a fitting visual for an artist whose work thrives on duality and incongruity. That tension drives the song too, as DTJ mentions being a basket case in the same breath as his accolades, balancing expected bluster with gruff honesty.

“Private School” was one of two singles DuctTape Jesus dropped in 2020 alongside “Julia,” two important stops in his path from the underground scene to the vanguard of Richmond music. The momentum carried through a string of single releases leading up to Chester Skate Land in 2023, a bold record that quickly became a favorite in the city, as well as earning a spot on the short list for the 2023 Newlin Music Prize. Since then, DTJ has kept his creative streak alive with sharp singles like “Dreeeamboat” and “Mission Impossible 2,” as well as standout features on recent standout records Joints In 4th Gear and Fine Dining.

You can check out the live video for “Private School” below, and be sure to follow DuctTape Jesus on social media for updates on his next releases and upcoming shows.