Boldy James Drops “Hommage” Ahead of Next Friday’s “Alphabet Highway” (Album Review)
Detroit veteran Boldy James enlisting local trap producer Antt Beatz for his 13th studio LP. Breaking out in the fall of 2013 off his Alchemist produced debut M.1.C.S. (My 1st Chemistry Set), the Detroit lyricist would later go on to land a contract with Nas’ independent label Mass Appeal Records for a little while before getting locked up. Once coming home, Uncle Al would help get his name back out there once getting out by dropping the Boldface EP around Christmas 2019 & then the sophomore album The Price of Tea in China at the beginning of last year. This was followed up with the Sterling Toles-produced Manger on McNichols which was as equally fantastic, but the Griselda Records-backed Versace Tape EP was a tad bit disappointing given how rushed it was. Bo Jackson though would become his most critically acclaimed work to date & Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP. Fair Exchange No Robbery produced by Nicholas Craven, Penalty of Leadership, Mr. Ten-08 produced by Futurewave, the Conductor Williams-produced Across the Tracks the Harry Fraud-produced The Bricktionary & the Carlo Anthony-produced Hidden in Plain Sight were all welcomed to warm reception. Token of Appreciation produced by Chuck Strangers was much better than both Murder During Drug Traffic & Permanent Ink, hoping Hommage would do the same with Alphabet Highway produced by V Don dropping next weekend.
“Back on Top” hooks up a Detroit trap instrumental begging to differ regarding people telling him they be making money now whereas “Off the Richter” featuring Baby Money finds the pair talking about it best to keep things pushing since your life can be taken in an instant. “Brick James” gives off an atmospheric Detroit trap vibe delving into the gangsta lifestyle he lives leading into “Tetris” co-produced by Helluva showing a boastful side to him.
Moving on from there, “Concrete Connie” takes a pint of red & paints the entire town hall just before “Met Me” featuring BandGang Lonnie Bands talks about being evil genius gangsta intellectuals. “Super Mario” offers to show y’all how to turn a pitbull into a bouvier while “Himothy Mcveigh” gives off a soulful Detroit trap vibe talking about being unable to stand these boujee ass dudes.
“Street Cred” continues to push further towards the final moments of Hommage going behind the scenes with the clip & warning him not to roll the credits while “Talk Nice” puts a west coast spin Detroit trap recalling losing sight once as a pup in the middle of a full-blown dog fight. “Dead Flowers” wraps things up making it rain on your head & calling that a head shower, only to leave ‘em dead in the middle of a field.
Arguably the hardest working artist in Detroit balancing quantity & quality gets everyone prepared for Alphabet Highway by linking up with Antt Beatz for a Detroit trap album ending the 1st quarter of 2025 that I enjoy almost as much as Token of Appreciation from last month. Antt’s production is on par with Carlo Anthony’s roughly 3 months ago, both features come correct & Boldy shuts down those complaining of him venturing out to trap with his lyrics.
Score: 8/10
