Detroit, Michigan emcee Stretch Money returned four months later in 1984 to release his 10th EP. In the fall of 2006, he released his debut full-length album, “Take Money to Make Money,” followed by three LPs, including “25 Miles Per Hour” and da Way Way’s “Locked In” and “Lil Daran.” His EP credits include The Villain, The Tribute, Drunken Master, The Real Money, Upper Echelon: Legend of the Silver Surfa duology, Giant, Eastside Lord and the aforementioned “1984”. However, starting with season two this year, he’s preparing an open letter to the West Coast… with love.
“LA” aptly kicks off the EP, setting the tone as a warm, slick tribute to the entertainment capital of the world, while “Make Sum Em” gets into the atmosphere talking about holding on to this shit and keeping the faith in at the lowest limit. “This is Y They Mad” is a slick middle finger to everyone who hates him, as he penned the paper in “Ain’t No Secret,” graciously admitting that his arrival is indeed not a secret.
Meanwhile, on “No Favors” we have Stretch passionately talking about not needing a plug because he has his own cable, right before the soulful “Never Thought” talks about never serving time in prison like he did. “Zombie” weaves these pianos and hi-hats for nothing more than money and Mary Jane, but “Cool” is a trap and thanks everyone for hopping on the plane with him.
As a Detroiter who considers Los Angeles his second home, this EP is really a good fit for me, and I feel like a lot of people in both cities will enjoy “To the West Coast…and Love,” which is a tribute to the sun. A profound love letter to the state. He and producer Vino, who comes straight out of South Central, weave all of their connections into this eight-track, 19-minute effort that expresses their appreciation for the City of Angels.
Score: 8/10
