One of Ohio's finest emcees Stalley has delivered a handful of solid projects over the years. From his early work with legendary NY-based producer Ski Beatz, signing to Rick Ross's Maybach Music imprint to going independent. Stalley has always stayed true to his core sound and after dropping the Cake EP earlier this year he returns with a full-length LP entitled Gone Baby, Gone. The project sees him working solely with producer Black Diamond who handles all the production.
Stalley opens up with the electric guitar-laced "Dreamy Eyes" which centers on being the best version of yourself no matter what others say and also lends its strength to the rapper's longevity in the game. "Alpaca" sees the Ohio native in full flex mode over a bouncy rock guitar-infused trap track. This is followed by the reflective title track that dives into his journey as an artist and his future endeavors and successes. "Oranges In June" embodies the spirit of summer with its soothing texture and jazzy piano arrangement that plays second fiddle to Stalley's vivid lyricism and commanding tone. Stalley doesn't rely on gimmicky hooks or grand vocal features and holds down the fort all by himself.
Other stand-out tracks include the nostalgia-inducing Soul Express" and "Smoke Break" which relies on neo-soul textures and retro-west coast bounce reminiscent of the 90s. He even gives us a sequel to his classic record "System on Loud" with a vibrant summer-tinged vibe to close out the LP.
To round it up Stalley is giving folks the visuals for "Oranges In June." The stylized video is directed by Nobody Else and utilizes a camcorder/VHS retro aesthetics, replete with fuzzy footage and TV static.
Get Gone Baby, Gone on all digital platforms here.
