If you only listen to one song on this album, make sure it’s “Stoked.” It’s a party on wax, without being stupid. It’s full of the kind of fun and excitement that is sorely missing from gangsta and West Coast rap. It’s pure joy in the art of rap. Here’s just a few bars from it:
Came over in a big ass boat
Not on a slave ship, niggas can’t float
We made chains out of ropes
S’why I had to do it for the coast
Nigga, I’m stoked!
And here’s the video:
But don’t just listen to one song off 1st Baptist, Pac Div’s first album in 6 years, because it’s the kind of rap you want. It’s full of hard-driving stories–full stories!–with clever rhymes, street wisdom, flawless flow, poppin’ beats…There’s really absolutely nothing wrong with this album. It’s perfect.
As for Young M.A., she’s an extraordinary freestyler and more than just a novelty act (that lesbian grime rapper). She’s got real talent. Her debut album was really solid, and I’m waiting for album 2 to drop before I fully commit to her greatness. In the meantime, here’s a mixtape to hold us all over.
