Boldy James' rise to prominence has been riddled with obstacles hailing from Detroit, Michigan. But since signing to Nas' Mass Appeal Records in 2014, he's progressively become one of the gatekeepers of authentic street rap for this new generation of hip-hop artists. Now, coming off the release of his collaborative musical offering with The Alchemist in The Price of Tea In China (2020), he's solidified himself as one of the best lyricists to step out of Motown in years and his song "S.N.O.R.T." alongside Gary, Indiana's Freddie Gibbs proves exactly that.
It wouldn't be an Alchemist beat if there wasn't a lo-fi, chopped up sample, boom-bap drum sequencing, and funky bass line. The simplicity of the "S.N.O.R.T" instrumental allows both the "Surf & Turf" rapper and Freddie Gibbs to individually carve up the beat to their own liking. James kicks off the song delivering his first verse flawlessly as Gibbs follows spitting his bars at a more rapid pace. The two trade war stories while still flexing on their opposition.
"S.N.O.R.T.'s" lyrical display and metaphoric presentation is proof that Boldy James, Freddie Gibbs, and The Alchemist are literally a match made in heaven. Check out the track for yourself in the streaming link provided below.
Quotable Lyrics
I'm making short-term goals, make the work turn pro (Yeah)
Started with some diamonds in the rough, just a lump of coal
Snipe a n*gga soul, lil' Joseph, he'll hug the pole
Wipe a n*gga nose for his Rol' and them Buffalos
Swiping customs, selling blows, running through them 'bows
How you loving those? Never told on none of my bros
I be on the road, ducking patrol, coming through the toll (Yeah)
Tryna keep it low, but Lord knows, I need to move this load
Shoot through the O, on 75, set the cruise control
It's moving too slow? Give it to Taj, he gon' move it whole (Drugstore)