This is the third collaboration between Brooklyn, New York presenter Eddie Kaine and Rim. The two originally got together at Devil’s Night 2020 4 years ago and released their first collaborative work “BK Caminates” produced by iamT2, which received a good response, and then released the Meta EP a few years later in the summer. , with mixed reviews in various fields. Welcome to Stillville, on the other hand, has huge potential to surpass its predecessor once it’s announced that it will be produced by 38 Spesh and Camoflauge Monk, with support from Holy Toledo Productions and Complex Interest Entertainment.
“What’s This” eerily welcomes everyone to Stuyville, spitting real shit over Camoflauge Monk’s terrifying booming instrumentals, while “Ice Cold” takes a more soulful route, thanks to 38 Spesh talking about their Hearts as cold as they refuse to fold. Che Noir’s “Never Stop” hooks up to an organ with a kick and snare, promises not to hang it, and then segues into “Check Check,” talking about bench pressing every time they lift a weight off the scale.
Hus Kingpin joins Eddie & Rim for a fusion of cloud rap and boom bap on “Da Whispers,” boasting that all three of them are war-ready and staying in the gutter, while “Stay Focused” talks motivationally about staying strong even when the odds are slim. can succeed against them. “Saute,” starring Benny the Butcher, has no drums and the trio does exactly what they have to do, but “Breakfast” talks about focusing on being great.
Kurupt’s “Reminisce” kicks off the final leg of “Welcome to Stuyville” on a jazzier note, reflecting that the neighborhood is no longer the same today; “Chop House” once again strips away the drums in favor of exposed flutes, a ride not recommended if you’re not a captain. The last song, “Made Men,” sung by late godson Fred the Godson, ends the record and everyone is talking about their success in rap.
Just a week into the new year, Welcome to Stuyville has leapfrogged BK Camates and META to become Eddie Kaine and Rim’s best collaboration, and an early Album of the Year candidate, where it will remain until next winter. Camoflauge Monk and 38 Spesh’s production is more enjoyable than previous pairs, and the chemistry of the Brooklyn lyricist’s individual talents is heightened.
Rating: 9/10
