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Oakland J. Stalin Follows Up a Mob Music Landmark with ‘Prenuptial Agreement 2’ Album
A mover and shaker in the bustling Bay Area scene, West Oakland’s J. Stalin exemplifies his city’s realness, determination, and dedication to the grind. Sharing the long awaited sequel to a Bay Area classic, Stalin drops Prenuptial Agreement 2, a glistening testament to the enduring power of mob music. Founded in the Fillmore district of San Francisco, Mob music is defined by its hard-nosed lyrics and signature sounds: crisp, gently swinging drums, cinematic synths, and prominent, squelching bass. Long one of the most notable Mob proponents in the East Bay, Stalin helped the subgenre regain prominence with his 2010 tape Prenuptial Agreement. Now, 13 years and over 50 projects later, Stalin returns to the project that made him a regional star, creating a 17-track document aimed to bring back the mob era.
“Mob music is sinister basses and sinister snares,” explains J. Stalin. “It’s all in the drums and snares and it’s real bassy. It’s a distinctive sound, created by producers like DJ Duo, Ant Banks, Mike D, and Rick Rock. When the first Prenup came out, hyphy was what was popping in the Bay Area. Mob rappers like me, we made some hyphy tracks, but hyphy was kid-like to us. When we did hyphy, we mixed it with mob sounds and harder lyrics. Mob was our version of what drill is now. Prenup brought the Bay sound back to mob music. Hyphy wasn’t as popular by 2010, and everyone was saying, ‘What are we gonna do now, how is the sound gonna be now?’ When I dropped Prenuptial Agreement, the whole city knew: ‘this is the new sound.'”
Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers’ anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from OG Mob architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida’s Jackboy and Stockton’s EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home. Paired with the release is a video for one of the albums standout tracks, “Who U Talkin 2. (ft. June).” What starts off feeling like a sequel to the Hype Williams classic, Belly, quickly turns into a party on the Vegas strip where Stalin and June are posted up with their crew spitting fire bars, daring anyone who isn’t correct to reveal who they’re talking to.
Some of the album’s highlights make reference to songs from the original, including the soulful sequel “Don’t Front Pt. 2” and the funky “World On My Shoulders” samples a beat originally created by D-Shot of The Click. With additional appearances from Lyjah, Kevin Allen, 4rAx of The Mekanix, Acito, and many more, Prenuptial Agreement 2 arrives on January 27th via Livewire Records/EMPIRE.
Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.
Florida rapper Nacho Soprano presents the Montana Shotya-directed music video for “Mode”, the new single from his new album Sorry For The Dedication. The Jacksonville native broke out in 2021 with “Killa Cam” (watch the music video on Youtube), and has two other full-lengths under his belt, Nacho Pharma and Nacho Supreme (stream on Spotify). Sorry For The Dedication is out now on Came From Zero LLC. Watch DJ Smallz Eyes interview Nacho on Youtube.
From Meek Mill to Lil Uzi Vert and Tierra Whack, Philadelphia is home to some of the hottest artists in the game. It should be no surprise we are sharing a new track from emerging 215 artist, Dell Corcetti. Titled “Priceless,” Dell croons over atmospheric production courtesy of Gibbo as he raps about his lady and lifestyle.
“With this song, I was aiming to capture the spirit of many songs from my old playlist that shaped my taste in music. That’s where I found my inspiration for how I stitched together my melodies. Not to mention, the beat alone already stirred inspiration inside of me. The producer (Gibbo) really did his thing.”
Stream Dell Corcetti’s “Priceless” below, and/or on your preferred DSP.
Dre Hill is ready for the summer waves after the release of his highly anticipated album, “On The Road,” officially hit the masses. Packed with emotion, authenticity, and undeniable talent, “On The Road” promises to redefine the genre and solidify Dre Hill’s position as a rising star in the music industry.
At the core of “On The Road” lies a profound exploration of emotion, with themes of highs, lows, and the delicate balance of life. “This album is a true reflection of who I am as an artist and as a person. It’s about embracing the journey, no matter how challenging, and finding strength in vulnerability,” Dre Hill shares.
Setting this release apart from his previous work, Dre Hill’s growth as a musician and storyteller is palpable. With meticulously crafted beats and introspective lyrics, “On The Road” represents a new chapter in Dre Hill’s musical evolution.
Inspired by his own experiences and the unwavering support of his family, Dre Hill pours his heart and soul into each track. From overcoming adversity to chasing dreams, “On The Road” is a testament to resilience and perseverance.
The album’s lead single, “Not Promised Tomorrow,” featuring Lil Cide and IMB Izzy, is a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and cherish every moment. With its infectious energy and uplifting message, the track is poised to resonate with listeners around the globe. As fans eagerly anticipate the album release, Dre Hill envisions receiving the project with open arms. “I hope listeners feel the dedication and passion poured into every song. This album is a labor of love, and I’m excited to share it with the world,” says Dre Hill.
In addition to the album drop, fans can look forward to captivating music videos, electrifying performances, and behind-the-scenes vlogs, offering an exclusive glimpse into Dre Hill’s creative process.
“As I continue on my musical journey, ‘On The Road’ represents a significant milestone and sets the stage for what’s to come,” shares Dre Hill. With boundless ambition and a commitment to authenticity, Dre Hill is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
For more information and updates on Dre Hill and his latest album “On The Road,” follow him on social media and stream the album on all major platforms starting today.
Listen to Dre Hill on the road album below.
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