Steve Spiffler breathes life into mic on "Exhale"

"No need to flex – I know funk stays around the way."

If this bar is any indication, Steve Spiffler is certainly an emcee who sticks to his word; his latest track, "Exhale," is not the typical braggadocio, look-at-me rap we've all become accustomed to. No, this is something more, something raw and human, a gritty tale of hardship and uncertainty disseminated through striking narrative and extended metaphor.

Spiffler – who also engineers and sometimes produces his own joints – decided Outkast's "Aquemini" instrumental was the proper easel to splash these particular rhymes onto. Indeed, the beat's laid-back ambiance allows him to "release" and expound on hard times in Stockton, CA, a city afflicted with violence and financial turmoil. The highlight of the song is Spiff's barrage of baseball metaphors, which not only illustrate the obstacles he faces but, more importantly, his willingness to keep fighting and "round the bases."

"Exhale" is the first single off Steve Spiffler's upcoming project, Skitzo Steven. Make sure you peepeth thy track below and also check out his "dope" (ahem, ahem) collaboration with Doja Clik, Jimmy Wigz and Grindtime battle rapper, Okwerdz!