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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.
Money Boss Players, also known as MBP, is a five-man group of established recording artists with undeniable rap style, chemistry, and a resume filled with a-list collaborations. As the group ascends to the mainstream stratosphere, they release their best work yet in the compelling new album, Cop N’ Go.
Released on MBP Music/JBS Management, Money Boss Players’ latest release is the follow-up to their early 2022 album, Ghetto Chronicle Daily 1994, which included breakout song “What U Saying ’94,” and guest appearances by legendary acts John Forte and C-Dubb. Cop N’ Go includes 13 new tracks, signature production, and refreshing traditional rhymes. The album’s storytelling will reconnect fans with the classic hip-hop sound that made the genre the most influential essence in popular culture.
“With Cop N Go, you’ll be taken on a journey of sound and emotion that you won’t forget,” said the group in a press release. “Only true Hip-Hop can give you that.”
Built on a traditional sound, the project’s standout tracks are “Mind Body & Soul,” “I Like It,” and “Players Pinnacle.” On first listen, the latest album will surely stay in rotation for months to come. They explained:
“Cop N Go is a classic hip-hop album that captures the raw energy and emotion of street life, sure to stay in your playlist for years to come.”
Formed in 2021, Money Boss Players consists of Lord Tariq, Eddie Cheeba, Trey Bag, Big AH, and Minnesota Money Boss. The group released their debut single in 2021 with “Walk With A Limp,” and released their debut album, Boss Money & Take Money, in 2022. Keep the momentum going, they released their new album, Boss Money Vol.1, shortly after Cop N Go.
Cop N’ Go is the perfect introduction for newfound fans as the group promises more new music to come throughout 2023, and a follow-up album, currently in development, as-yet-titled, slated for late 2023/early 2024 release. Until then, explore MBP’s complete catalog, available now on all streaming platforms.
Stream the full album below, and afterward, follow MBP daily on social media.
Swifty Blue is striving to live right. The Southeast Los Angeles artist has a knack for going viral thanks to his very opinionated takes online and divisive personality. With his all new “TalknTrash Podcast” he showcases his personality weekly sitting with interesting guests including designers, UFC Fighters, comedians and other rappers. In his latest track “Livin’ Right” featuring Mudd Baby 4, Swifty reflects on his karmic wheel, openly asking the universe if he’s living right. Swifty states he’s on his third strike and on his third chance at life thanks to God.
A nice melodic sound buzzes from rising DMV artist JakeDaSavage. His sound influenced by Big Meech, Yo Gotti, Boosie, and Lil Wayne can be heard with the release of his latest single “L!T” that’s also similar to the days of early Post Malone.
It’s a short but sweet track about being energetic and how it can improve not only your mindset but overall life. Jake is a man of few words but he sure does now how to put together a nice single. For fans of Post, this is one for you.
Along with the new audio from the Maryland emcee comes a sharp in music video shot by Bass Arcade. It features scenes of Jake showing off his growing fortune and crisp imagery. Watch his latest video below.
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