Boldy James, one of Detroit's hardest working artists, has dropped his 14th LP, this time in collaboration with producer V Don. This dude broke through in the fall of 2013 with his debut "My 1st Chemistry Set," produced by Alchemist. After some time at Nas' Mass Appeal Records and an interlude in prison, he made another comeback with the help of Uncle Al with the "Boldface" EP around Christmas 2019, followed by the cracking album "The Price of Tea in China" early last year. After that, he dropped several releases that were welcomed by fans with open arms.
Still, not everything went off without a hitch. "Manger on McNichols" produced by Sterling Toles was brilliant, but the "Versace Tape" with Griselda Records fell just a little short because it sounded rather rushed. Still, "Bo Jackson" became his most acclaimed work to date and "Super Tecmo Bo" could almost reach the same level as an EP. Then Boldy surprised us with a series of releases including "Fair Exchange No Robbery," "Penalty of Leadership," "Mr. Ten-08," "Across the Tracks," "The Bricktionary" and "Hidden in Plain Sight," each with their own unique salty vibe.
The track "Finishing Touches" opens with an assertive flex, in which Boldy shows off his immaculate record, despite the fact that some projects could be considered mediocre. Next, "R.S.N.S. (Real Street N***a Shit)" splashes off the album with no further explanation necessary. On the raucous boom bap track "Split the Bill," Boldy discusses violent situations, while "Mrs. Porter" feels like a rousing horse race with a trap sound.
Somewhere halfway through, "No Guessing Games" delivers a comforting message to his girl, while assuring that all wounds take time to heal. "Dr. Demento" is about his bling and confrontations with the enemy. "Entrapment" takes us into an atmospheric setting where Boldy wonders if he is walking into an undercover agent's trap, then on "Lemon Head Light" he tells his story with a soulful touch.
"Day Light Savings" omits the drums for a bottled-up ache to express, while the piano-driven "Without Mention" conveys the chill of the streets. "Smacking Foreigns" advises to never turn your back on your crew and "Quaker Oats" seeks the heights with rock influences. "Bobert Horry" is a tribute to iconic Los Angeles Lakers commentator and former player Robert Horry that closes "Alphabet Highway" perfectly.
Some had mixed feelings about "Homage," seeing it as mediocre next to "Murder During Drug Traffic" and "Permanent Ink." But personally, I think "Homage" represents the Detroit trap sound better. Fans of V Don's production will enjoy "Alphabet Highway" as much, if not more, than "Token of Appreciation" last month. The sound V Don lays down here is rawer than ever, and Boldy only sprinkles more salt with his shrewd bars.
Score: 9/10
I'm curious to hear your take on this new project from Boldy James. Do you think he has salted the scene even more with this release? Let me know!
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