Oakland legend Casual (of Hieroglyphics) and producer Albert Jenkins are on a tier with their latest single "Head Strong." The track has a plucky video-game-esque feel with its 8-bit synth arrangements but it's punctuated by a pounding drum groove that reinforces the title of the song. As a time-tested rapper who can rhyme off the top of his head, Casual is, by all means, an alien-level lyricist with a mix of street smarts and complex wordplay. There is quite a lot to unpack as Casual, casually (no pun intended) flows over Jenkins' action-packed backdrop with a plethora of rhyme schemes and references that span different eras in pop culture.
"Head Strong" is lifted from Casual and Albert Jenkins' collaborative project STARDUSTER. An EP that is inspired by Bay Area’s DIY indie ethos, an East Bay meets South Bay statement, underscored by elite lyricism over well-crafted beats.
