Sam RI is a 31 year old MC and producer from San Diego, California who first burst onto the West Coast underground music scene over the summer, releasing his first 4 EPs Purple Cashmere, Rush Hour, Nickz and most recently Stax Payne. However, the New York producer was hired after William Bostick heard Sam’s lyrics on “Brrrrr,” XP the Marxman’s Christmas EP that dropped last winter. to produce Sam’s first official album.
“Been a Buck” brings this out raw by letting people know he’s been the same since the beginning, while “2 Types” incorporates some vibraphone to discuss those who can say this without really putting in the effort. people who put in the words and those who actually put in the effort. “TGFF” went the Boom Bap route and deftly showcased his storytelling abilities, while “Art Basil in Spain” starring Chester and Doza the Drum Dealer found the trio teaming up to deliver a hard-hitting set in Spanish. Nuclear combination.
Meanwhile, over on “Blockbuster,” we have Sam talking about more kicks and traps before “The Freemason,” talking about having gunshots ring out of a Mercedes after the titular episode hooked up a soul sample to run the game, just like As if he were part of the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. 7ven 30’s “Stick Up Kids” suggests their pen-based game is sacred for living in hell, but then “Filthy” goes back to booming and letting his paper pile up.
“Cul-De-Sac” starring Kahlee is coming to an end and the 12 monkeys need a bigger truck to move their work, clarifying that there is only one way off a street or passage with one end closed, and “Guilty” boasts His tax bracket has colder winters than Grand Rapids. “Take Time” ends the record in a more introspective way, venting about things he’s dealing with, whether it’s his cousin who may never walk again, or a friend who’s spending time in prison.
In the six and a half years since Sam RI dropped projects, 12 Monkeys has surpassed all expectations set by the handful of EPs he’s given us before, culminating in a full-length debut album that showcases the The West Coast lyricist’s ascension from 2018 on top of East Coast production results in one of the best works of William Bostick’s career to date.
Score: 8/10
