Buffalo, New York’s Jay Exodus is making a huge impact on the rap world this week with his new single “Stories & Lessons” featuring Boldy James. In it, he reflects on the conflict of maintaining a romantic relationship in the midst of street life, and the “Don’t Fight” troll matches this thematic energy by talking about his relationship with his mother. Overall, both poems are quite melancholic in their lyrical focus and delivery, but this does not detract from the vividness or compelling quality of their titular experiences. While this is by no means uncharted territory, they focus on execution to paint a meaningful picture of their lives.
Additionally, the beat provides Jay Exodus and Penalty Of Leadership MCs with rich sampled instrumentation to glide through in a catchy way. There are lots of curious and wonderful woodwind elements present throughout “Stories & Lessons”, plus some chimes, ethereal synth pads and some vocal samples at the end. But these are only in addition to the instrumental roots mix of crisp, warm percussion, watery electric guitar chords and horns. While seeing the elements on paper may sound mundane as far as rap beats go, it matches the song’s tender, conflicted and moody themes. This is definitely an example of two great elements coming together to create something even greater.
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“Stories and Lessons” by Jay Exodus and Boldy James: Stream
Meanwhile, Boldy James has been delivering an incredible string of features and action of late, including his recent work on Ransom and Harry Fraud’s Live From The Roxy and Your Boy Posca. As for Jay Exodus, we can’t wait to see what he brings to us next, because this is truly a showcase of his talent and well-crafted performance. If you haven’t listened to “Stories & Lessons” yet, find it on your favorite streaming service and let us know what you think in the comments section. Plus, find some noteworthy lines below, and as always, check back with HNHH for more great music around the clock.
quote lyrics
The only thing you ask of me is to put your love first
Young and stupid, too obsessed with the way the streets work,
Hanging out with gangs and hearing money snatching noises,
Gotta get them, when we see them we find them lacking’
Read more: Bold James explains his relationship with Snoop Dogg
