Boldy James teaming up with Harry Fraud for his 9th full-length studio LP. Breaking out in the fall of 2013 off his Alchemist produced debut M.1.C.S. (My 1st Chemistry Set), the Detroit lyricist would later go on to land a contract with Nas’ independent label Mass Appeal Records for a little while before getting locked up. Once coming home, Uncle Al would help get his name back out there once getting out by dropping the Boldface EP around Christmas 2019 & then the sophomore album The Price of Tea in China at the beginning of last year. This was followed up with the Sterling Toles-produced Manger on McNichols which was as equally fantastic, but the Griselda Records-backed Versace Tape EP was a tad bit disappointing given how rushed it was. Bo Jackson become one of is best & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP despite IceColdBishop’s verse on “Hot Water Tank”. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas Craven became one of his most acclaimed bodies of work until Penalty of Leadership surpassed it & Mr. 10-08 produced by Futurewave is up there too as is the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks at the beginning of the summer, so I knew The Bricktionary would live up to my expectations.
“Pressing My Bunk” is this drumless opener promising that the new shit will make toes curl daydreamin’ of the big stage whereas “Rabies” featuring Benny the Butcher works in a guitar so they can rap about still trappin’ & having motion within the jungles. “Pillar to Post” takes the trap route instrumentally likening this shit to a vicious cycle feelin’ worn down just before “Speedy Gonzales” hooks up some sampling & hi-hats shakin’ the bag at record time
Tee Grizzley joins Boldy for the slick lead single “Cecil Fielder” getting on their authentic d-boy shit together prior to the chipmunk soul/trap hybrid “Ronald Bishop” talking about wanting people to stop calling him crazy. “Shrink Wrap” featuring Babyface Ray brings a cloudy trap vibe to the table flexing their dope game being as cold as it is while “Shadowboxing” hops over more soul sample chops & hi-hats sparrin’ with his demons.
“Harvey Grant” nears the conclusion of The Bricktionary by asking God to forgive him for his sins the evil in the hearts of men with a luxurious trap beat backing him, but then “Thuggin’” properly finishes the 3rd classic that Boldy’s put out this year soulfully admitting he’s got bad habits & furthermore explaining the moral of the story being that the 227 Concreatures were steadily cuttin’ them corners.
A lot like Penalty of Leadership & Across the Tracks respectively, Boldy James nears the end of what has been a prolific year for hip hop musically by going on a 3-peat in terms of releasing some of the very best music of his entire career. Harry Fraud’s production puts a bigger emphasis on the chipmunk soul undertones of its predecessors & throwing a hint of trap in the mix, allowing Boldy & his guests to spit game from The Bricktionary itself.
Score: 9/10
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