One Be Lo – BABY (Being A Black Youth) [LP]

Although the days of soul-sampling, lyrically sharp hip-hop has seen something of a resurgence in the wake of acts like the Griselda collective and Freddie Gibbs, the globetrotting rhyme virtuoso One Be Lo has been steadily holding down fans of that definitive hip hop sound regardless of the larger trends happening in music. And on his new B.A.B.Y. (Being A Black Youth) album Lo makes a statement that feels bolder and clearer than so much of what his peers are offering fans during this “timbs & hoodies” season. He amasses witty lyrics, poignant storytelling, and bumpin’ beats under a singular standard and makes it look easy while doing it. Working exclusively with producer and Soul Council member Eric G for B.A.B.Y. gives the set an appreciable sense of chemistry and cohesion.

Outstanding entries on the LP include an absorbing and autobiographical trip through the years called “Bars and Be Yawned (Son shine and reign)“, a 60’s soul steeped study of life and love called “Be Always Beside You (IYWMTS)“, a heavy-hitting sketch of life in the city called “Bills Ain’t Bossing You (I.T.C.H.)“, and the ruggedly thumping “Black Ace Buried Young (Purple Heart Attack)“.

A quick once-over of the album’s tracklist quickly reveals the facts that 1) the acronym to every single track spells out “B.A.B.Y” and 2) One Be Lo pull out all the stops with this album as it features an absolutely massive amount of hip-hop and soul stars. You get appearances from Royce da 5’9″, Melanie Rutherford, Freeway, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, DJ Abilities, Jean Grae, and many MANY more.

You can show your support by purchasing the B.A.B.Y. (Being A Black Youth) album from One Be Lo‘s Bandcamp page (listed below) as well as by checking out more from him when you connect to his social media spots listed below.

vibes – bumpin, lyrics to go, head nod music, sharp, witty, wise words being spoken, triumphant, bravado, flowing, cipher sounds, swaggering, cool, straight from the crates, soulful, real-life deals

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