Tag Archives: Boldy James

”Late to My Own Funeral” Combines Elements from Both of Boldy James & Nicholas Craven’s Previous Classics (Album Review)

Here is the 16th studio LP from Detroit veteran Boldy James. 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 though would become his most critically acclaimed work to date & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas CravenPenalty of LeadershipMr. Ten-08 produced by Futurewave, the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks the Harry Fraud-produced The Bricktionary & the Carlo Anthony-produced Hidden in Plain Sight were all welcomed to warm reception. Token of Appreciation produced by Chuck Strangers was much better than both Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink, the Antt Beatz produced Hommage left people divided although I didn’t mind it, coming off the V Don-produced Alphabet Highway & the Killing Nothing sequel Conversational Pieces by showing up Late to My Own Funeral.

“Spider Webbing Windshields” opens with a sped-up gospel sample keeping blue tips in the tin mill & putting $10K bounties on heads whereas “Marrero” dabbles with rap rock instrumentally talking about being a ghetto trophy & a collector’s item. “Trapezoid” gets back on the chipmunk soul vibes boasting of the 227 Concreatures been real trappers while “Antonio Tuttle” drumlessly talks about leaving hoods flooded.

Reaching the halfway point, “Cordon Bleu” featuring David Wesson brings a jazzier flare to the table breaking down how real this shit gets at time & going crazy with the highest class just before “The Whole Shabang” soulfully talks about wanting it all. “Genie in a Bottle” continues with the sampling advising to take this as a token because time isn’t on his side prior to the 2nd & final single “Nice Try Wrong Guy” figuring out where one’s loyalty lies.

“Meal Prepping” gets the final leg of Late to My Own Funeral soulfully talking about hating thieves as much as rats just before “AT&T” featuring C Dell & Nick Bruno concludes the service linking the trio up over a chipmunk soul beat reaffirming their legitimacy getting up close & personal unlike some of these other killers around their parts or addressing the group of individuals burning bridges with them not knowing how to swim.

Regarding the run Boldy’s been on this year, Token of Appreciation & Alphabet Highway gotta make some room for Late to My Own Funeral since it’s head above shoulders compared to those enjoyable projects & The Pop Catcher has a very high chance joining this a month from now. Nicholas Craven’s production recaptures the drumless, jazzy & chipmunk soul feeling of Fair Exchange No Robbery combined with the expansion of Penalty of Leadership’s near-death experience exploration.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Boldy James Delivers Raw Energy at The Lodge Room

Boldy James – Cred: Loe_Kee_Phlicks

On Wednesday, June 18th, Detroit’s own Boldy James launched his latest U.S. tour with an unforgettable performance at The Lodge Room in Highland Park, Los Angeles. The historic venue was packed wall to wall with fans, all there to witness the gritty lyricist bring his signature sound to life on the West Coast.

Known for his raw storytelling and streetwise introspection, Boldy didn’t disappoint. Backed by atmospheric production and bathed in moody lighting, he tore through a mix of his classic cuts and more recent tracks — seamlessly moving between fan favorites like “Speed Demon Freestyle” and newer material from his latest projects. His signature deadpan flow and sharp delivery had the crowd hanging onto every bar.

Joining him onstage were West Coast representatives Jay Worthy and Hitta J3 from Meet The Whoops, who brought their own energy and local flavor to the night. Jay Worthy’s laid-back style and Hitta J3’s high-octane presence created the perfect balance, adding depth to the lineup.

The vibe throughout the night was electric — a true celebration of independent hip-hop culture. From the DJ sets spinning Griselda and L.A. classics before the show, to the loyal fans rapping every word, it was clear this wasn’t just a concert — it was a gathering of a movement.

Boldy James has overcome major hurdles in the past year, including a serious car accident in 2023, and his return to the stage carried an unspoken weight. Watching him command the mic with such precision and passion felt like a triumphant moment, not just for him but for everyone who’s followed his journey.

With this powerful kickoff in L.A., the rest of the tour is already shaping up to be something special. If this night was any indication, Boldy James is not only back — he’s better than ever.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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”Conversational Pieces” Feels Jazzier Than Boldy James’ Previous Material with Real Bad Man (Album Review)

Detroit veteran Boldy James continuing his monthly streak by having Real Bad Man produce his 15th 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 though would become his most critically acclaimed work to date & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas CravenPenalty of LeadershipMr. Ten-08 produced by Futurewave, the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks the Harry Fraud-produced The Bricktionary & the Carlo Anthony-produced Hidden in Plain Sight were all welcomed to warm reception. Token of Appreciation produced by Chuck Strangers was much better than both Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink, the Antt Beatz produced Hommage left people divided although I didn’t mind it & is coming of the V Don-produced Alphabet Highway for a Killing Nothing sequel.

“Class Clown” was a great drumless intro talking about putting a dunce cap on a sucka he had to lay out whereas “Tap the Breaks Twice” adds some drums into the equation so he can watching out for tiger sharks & great whites on the track during the late night. “ITT Tech” dabbles with trap working in some pianos & strings clarifying it’s all about the cheese for him while the quasi-jazzy “Fear of God” featuring Conway the Machine clarifies that all they do is trap.

dreamcastmoe’s hook on “Come Back Around” gives the song a soulful boom bap vibe talking about how people sometimes only get back up to eventually fall back down just before “Cutthroats” maintains a dusty flare getting in his hardcore bag lyrically. “Aspen” talks about there being more than 1 way to skin a cat & pull a hat trick keeping the boom bap flare in tact, but then “Triple Platinum” slows down a prominent vocal sample going ghetto gold in his city.

“Bag It Up” of course reflects on his time in the streets moving weight while “Burn in Hell” talks about needing to make it to heaven after all the Hell he’s been through. “It Factor” featuring El-P finds the 2 showing off their A1 abilities on the microphone over more sampling while “Say Less” takes it back to the basement instrumentally advising that’s all you really have to do around him & the title track finishes up Conversational Pieces dropping off much more personal topics.

The prominent gangsta rap themes that were prevalent during Killing Nothing & even Real Bad Boldy during the COVID-19 lockdowns at the mere end of 2020 make their way on the follow-up, except the boom bap elements in the production are being used to a lesser extent focusing more on drumless & jazz rap for secondary influences.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Boldy James’ 14th Album “Alphabet Highway” Prod. by V Don Joins “Token of Appreciation” For His Best in 2025 (Album Review)

The hardest working Detroit artist today Boldy James enlisting V Don to produce his 14th full-length 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 though would become his most critically acclaimed work to date & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas CravenPenalty of LeadershipMr. Ten-08 produced by Futurewave, the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks the Harry Fraud-produced The Bricktionary & the Carlo Anthony-produced Hidden in Plain Sight were all welcomed to warm reception. Token of Appreciation produced by Chuck Strangers was much better than both Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink, coming off the Antt Beatz produced Hommage from last weekend to go on the Alphabet Highway.

“Finishing Touches” starts by talking about his resume not having any blemishes or smudges when he has only a few projects in his discography that stand out being mid at best whereas “R.S.N.S. (Real Street N***a Shit)” needs no further explanation regarding the subject matter. “Split the Bill” was an outstanding boom bap single explaining trigger happy & they ain’t even smiling while “Mrs. Porter” dabbles with trap going off to the horse races

Moving on from there, “No Guessing Games” assures his girl to chill out since all wounds will be healed in due time just before “Dr. Demento” talks about people being able to tell he’s up simply by looking at his chains & being in a standoff with the opps. “Entrapment” heads for an atmospheric direction asking if he’s speaking to an undercover fed & worried of setting himself up if he is, but then “Lemon Head Light” soulfully walks people down like he’s on papers they’re tryna take from him.

“Day Light Savings” goes drumless to talk about bottling up his pain in a pint & people tryna seal his fate while the piano-driven “Without Mention” explains that the streets turned his soul cold. “Smacking Foreigns” jazzily advises to never switch up on your members while “Quaker Oats” gets on the rap rock tip again tryna stack his chips until they touch the sky. “Bobert Horry” finishes Alphabet Highway with this killer tribute to current Los Angeles Lakers commentator & former player Robert Horry.

Some felt that Hommage was on the same level of mediocrity as Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink, which I disagree with because I’d have to put it behind Hidden in Plain Sight as the finest examples of him pulling off that Detroit trap sound. Alphabet Highway if you’re familiar with V Don’s production style, most will find themselves enjoy as much if not more than Token of Appreciation over a month ago. The production that V Don cooks up here is more rawer & Boldy lyrically goes harder with the pen.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Boldy James Drops “Hommage” Ahead of Next Friday’s “Alphabet Highway” (Album Review)

Detroit veteran Boldy James enlisting local trap producer Antt Beatz for his 13th 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 though would become his most critically acclaimed work to date & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas CravenPenalty of LeadershipMr. Ten-08 produced by Futurewave, the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks the Harry Fraud-produced The Bricktionary & the Carlo Anthony-produced Hidden in Plain Sight were all welcomed to warm reception. Token of Appreciation produced by Chuck Strangers was much better than both Murder During Drug Traffic Permanent Ink, hoping Hommage would do the same with Alphabet Highway produced by V Don dropping next weekend.

“Back on Top” hooks up a Detroit trap instrumental begging to differ regarding people telling him they be making money now whereas “Off the Richter” featuring Baby Money finds the pair talking about it best to keep things pushing since your life can be taken in an instant. “Brick James” gives off an atmospheric Detroit trap vibe delving into the gangsta lifestyle he lives leading into “Tetris” co-produced by Helluva showing a boastful side to him.

Moving on from there, “Concrete Connie” takes a pint of red & paints the entire town hall just before “Met Me” featuring BandGang Lonnie Bands talks about being evil genius gangsta intellectuals. “Super Mario” offers to show y’all how to turn a pitbull into a bouvier while “Himothy Mcveigh” gives off a soulful Detroit trap vibe talking about being unable to stand these boujee ass dudes.

“Street Cred” continues to push further towards the final moments of Hommage going behind the scenes with the clip & warning him not to roll the credits while “Talk Nice” puts a west coast spin Detroit trap recalling losing sight once as a pup in the middle of a full-blown dog fight. “Dead Flowers” wraps things up making it rain on your head & calling that a head shower, only to leave ‘em dead in the middle of a field.

Arguably the hardest working artist in Detroit balancing quantity & quality gets everyone prepared for Alphabet Highway by linking up with Antt Beatz for a Detroit trap album ending the 1st quarter of 2025 that I enjoy almost as much as Token of Appreciation from last month. Antt’s production is on par with Carlo Anthony’s roughly 3 months ago, both features come correct & Boldy shuts down those complaining of him venturing out to trap with his lyrics.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Boldy James & Chuck Strangers Share Their “Token of Appreciation” (Album Review)

Boldy James teaming up with Chuck Strangers for his 12th 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 though would become his most critically acclaimed work to date & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas CravenPenalty of LeadershipMr. Ten-08 produced by Futurewave, the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks the Harry Fraud-produced The Bricktionary & the Carlo Anthony-produced Hidden in Plain Sight were all welcomed to warm reception as well so I went into Token of Appreciation hoping it would be better than both Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink.

B.O.B. (Big Ol’ Business) is this calming opener with Boldy making it very clear what he’s standing on regularly whereas “Whale Fishing” works in a drumless chipmunk soul instrumental talking about being aware of this shit coming with gun-smoke or a jail cell. “Big Paws on a Puppy” hooks up this piano refusing to lack & staying in double action while “Unapologetic” strips the drums again so he can talk about trying to a catch a blessing recollecting.

The synth-organs on “Lop Sided” are the most attentive detail about Chuck’s beat here zip-lining through the ghetto with his Concreature family just before “Global Telling” brings psychedelic jazzy flare to the table talking about his mother being extremely proud of his career taking off. “Thank God” continues the sampling giving praise to the Most High, but then “UPS” hops over a harp laying the demo down soon as they get ups.

“Fail Proof” officially gets the final leg of Boldy’s Token of Appreciation rollin’ to observe a plain that wasn’t protected from fallin’ flat on it’s face while “3rd Little Piggy” goes for a richly groovier vibe instrumentally unsurprisingly fucking with the bricks. “Bird’s Eye View” properly finishes the best thing that Boldy has made in the first 2 months of the year telling everyone the sky’s the limit from that very perspective.

Seeing people on social media saying Boldy’s beginning to fall off because Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink were both mid really must’ve caught his attention because he & Chuck Strangers just made every one of those idiots eat their words with an album on 2/27 Day that clears both it’s predecessors. Chuck’s production is far more well detailed than what we got from Boldy last month & his rapping sounds better in comparison.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Boldy James Stays “Hidden in Plain Sight” (EP Review)

This is the 8th EP from Detroit veteran Boldy James. 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 became one of his 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 also 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 & The Bricktionary produced by Harry Fraud. A month after the latter, Carlo Anthony’s joining him for Hidden in Plain Sight.

“I.S.D.A.M.L. (I Sold Dope All My Life)” starts the EP with a drumless, funky instrumental talking about being in the drug game forever whereas “Dirty Dancing” reminds us that no one wins when the family feuds & wants to make sure y’all bring your dance shoes. The title track featuring Conway the Machine & Styles P brings a jazzier vibe to the beat spittin’ that gangsta shit & after the “Wire Taps” skit, “1st & 15th” featuring King Hendricks goes for a cloudy boom bap flare talking about supplying the coke.

ZelooperZ joins Boldy on “Big Wigs” fusing chipmunk soul & trap together sitting back as they watch everything blossom after going from being at the bottom to chillin’ at the spot sittin’ on $600K prior to “Brick James” swapping out the chipmunk soul elements of the previous joint in favor of jazz rap calling for Only the Family Entertainment founder Lil Durk to come home since he got arrested last month & sending his condolences to their biggest signee King Von, who was murdered several years ago.

Carlo’s primarily known the Detroit trap scene so a lot of people were expecting it to be a lot like The Bricktionary in terms of sound, but he completely proved everyone wrong by trying out sounds that’re new to his wheelhouse. His production goes from drumless to jazz rap, chipmunk soul, boom bap & cloud rap in the span of 18 minutes so Boldy James can finish off 2024 the way he started it: Applying pressure.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Boldy James And Harry Fraud Release New Project ‘The Bricktionary’, Drop New “Shrink Wrap” Video Feat. Babyface Ray

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The king of collab returns!  Boldy James and Harry Fraud new collaborative album, The Bricktionary, is now available. 

In addition to releasing their new collaboration project, Boldy & Harry also released a new visual for “Shrink Wrap” which features fellow Motown star Babyface Ray.  The video for “Shrink Wrap” can be viewed below.

The Bricktionary is produced entirely by Harry Fraud and features guest appearances from Babyface Ray, Tee Grizzley, and Benny The Butcher.

The Bricktionary TRACKLISTING:

Pressin’ My Bunk

Rabies FEAT Benny The Butcher

Pillar To Post

Speedy Gonzales

Cecil Fielder FEAT Tee Grizzley

Roland Bishop

Shrink Wrap FEAT Babyface Ray

Shadowboxing

Harvey Grant

Thuggin’

Overboard

Fish Grease

***All Tracks Produced By Harry Fraud

The post Boldy James And Harry Fraud Release New Project ‘The Bricktionary’, Drop New “Shrink Wrap” Video Feat. Babyface Ray appeared first on .

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Boldy James Teaches Lessons From “The Bricktionary” Prod. by Harry Fraud (Album Review)

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

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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NugLife Goes on Psychedelic Visual Journey with Boldy James, Zombie Juice, and RuffMercy in “Blocks & Ave’s”

Embark on a NugLife produced journey through the depths of underground artistry with the freshly baked official video for “Blocks & Ave’s.” Crafted by the legendary animator RuffMercy hailing from Bristol, this avant-garde masterpiece takes an abstract approach, breathing life into the realms of Boldy James, Zombie Juice, and Nug’s in a psychedelic cartoon style visual.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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