Los Angeles, California host TF has teamed up with local veteran DJ Muggs for his latest record. First heard on ScHoolboy Q’s signature Blank Face LP’s “Tookie Knows, Pt. II”, just 7 months later he released his debut EP No Hooks, followed by his full-length debut album ErThangSkanless and a second EP titled OktoberFest. After appearing on Flee Lord’s eighth EP Hand Me My Flowers, which was entirely produced by Buckwild, and self-releasing 2 more EPs, TF eventually signed with Lord Mobb Music and released Blame Kansas, produced by Mephux and Roc Marciano. The last we heard from him was when Khrysis was working on The Green Bottle, and he returned 10 months later with a warning not to call me lucky.
The title track opens up shop with an ominous boom beat, wondering if court-ordered treatment is luck or faith, while “Water Whip,” featuring Rome Streetz, actively talks about everything scandalous about them. “Clap” starring Ghostface Killah had a bit of a retro ’70s vibe, mixing in gangster shit, leading to “The Scorpion Sting” which was back to talking about the squad blending into the frame.
“Reese’s Pieces,” starring Meyhem Lauren and OT the Real, brings the trio together so they can make a crude statement that their relationship is anything but sweet, while “Ya Heard,” starring Roc Marciano, is an affectionate tale of people sticking with you for your diamonds and gold. “Cha Cha Chicken” reaches its midpoint on the horn-filled “Pool Sports”, which gives off a spookier vibe while talking about being on the top floor with the bar.
Following an interlude, “Money in the Wall,” starring Heartbreak JC, silently sees the pair discussing how people are dying every day from chains and social media posts, while “Luchador” angrily talks about the surface crumbling that can result from living too fast. “100 Dollar Bill” loosely recounts the process of breaking bread and interjects Prodigy’s signature single “Keep It Thoro” in the chorus, while “Star Studded” deals with daydreaming about revved-up soul samples.
“El Sancho” wraps up the final moments of “Don’t Call Me Lucky,” comparing himself to WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg’s Rodney in the late John Singleton’s “Baby Boy,” while “Ride Out,” the final song before the finale, sung by Boldy James, makes the most of the blues’ final minutes. Out” makes the most of Bruce’s final minutes. teamed up under the beat to talk about their respective experiences of moving from the West Coast to America as gangsters. Midwest.
I’m not sure it was possible for TF to top Blame Kansas before The Green Bottle came out last summer, but I expected Don’t Call Me Lucky to do the same based on the single, proving that he’s only going to get better with time. There aren’t as many cameos as there were last time, which I think works to his advantage considering Muggs’ signature production style fits so well with his edgy street lyricism.
Rating: 9/10
