Los Angeles super-producer and rapper NugLife recruits longtime collaborator Papa J. Ruiz for his latest release titled "10 to 1". The laidback summer-drenched track is a callback to the 90s East Coast soulful boombap style with a modern West Coast twist as NugLife delivers the goods. From the jazzy pianos, airy horns and thumping drum groove to the overall feel-good aesthetic, the duo ushers listeners into their C.O. state of mind in that Cali sunshine. Nuglife leads with example as he seamlessly floats over his beat with a laidback demeanour and reflective rhymes like "See it's really up to you if you wanna be the one/Sowing thread to what you reap, reaper calling say word up, said some prayers for enemies, buy some time and he hung up/Cross my heart and watch my back 'cause it be the closest ones". This is followed by Papa J. Ruiz who continues the rhetoric with his commanding vocal tone and vivid story telling about how time changes even the closest of friends.
"10 to 1" also comes with a video clip directed by J Bone and NugLife himself and they deliver a straightforward and well-crafted clip that captures the mellow vibes of the song itself. From the long shots, extensive performance shots and seamless transitions between scenes, the visual takes viewers into the duo's stomping grounds. In a nutshell, it's an inviting clip that reminds us of the famous Cali summer weather.
Stream and download "10 to 1" on all DSPs here.