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Since his abrupt entrance into the rap game, most would consider Stalley’s gem Lincoln Way Heights (Intelligent Trunk Music) to be a near flawless mixtape following up his abstract and experimental 2009 release MadStalley: The Autobiography. He has since continued to transcend his effortless lyricism and scattered delivery into an innovative, progressive style and career as witnessed by his signing to Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group label late last year. New deal in hand, Stalley returns as promised with his latest batch “Savage Journey To the American Dream” where we find the bearded rapper furthering his creative zone and potentially widening his horizons to show a more versatile side of the Ohio native.
The first track “Savage Journey” starts the tape on a high note with bars of triumph over the epic Block Beattaz production. Next is the soulful “Petrin Hill Peonies” which reveals a familiar, casually introspective and clever Stalley marking his territory into “Route 21” which is a short, smoothed-out soundscape filled with sidetracked thoughts amidst the brief moments of clarity we hear. The journey continues into the Curren$y assisted “Hammers & Vogues” where the two provide plenty of ammo for a pounding ode to the high life. After accompanying dialogue snippets we land at the joy-riding anthem “Lover’s Lane” featuring Anthony Flammia, reminiscent of a “Slapp”, leaving listeners entertained as topics of women and relationships are further dissected onto the breezy “Home to You” featuring label-mate Wale and Flammia’s croons yet again on the chorus.
As the relaxed vibe continues “Island Hopping” featuring Avriel Epps fits in perfect as Stalley’s signature scoff and presence tell a story of recluse over soft horns and arrangements. “Cold” displays a new sound the MMG gunner has developed and improved over clean synths and knocking drum patterns, he sounds at home, creatively. Next is the Chad Hugo produced “Everything New”, which seems to spread the Massillon emcee’s arsenal too thin, not to mention an obnoxiously pulsating, post Neptunes-era throwaway beat from 2004 leaving an awkward feeling of displacement in the middle of the tape.
“Seen it All” is a reflective track where Stalley finds himself evaluating his surroundings, those past and present, and although it lags throughout the hook a bit, it stills makes for a decent shift of the music. Next Rick Ross finds his way onto “Hell’s Angels (American Heathens)” for a menacing tale of tough-talk, where the two trade jabs and lyrical tirades of chaos. Inspiration is found once again for “Live at Blossom” produced by Soundtrakk. The track makes for a deep transition inside the Midwest spitter’s methods and madness, as Stalley sharpens his verses with the precision of marksman to the end.
Savage Journey To The American Dream provides a well-packaged collection of new music for Stalley and MMG to flourish in; although Savage Journey doesn’t quite capture the soulful, intoxicating sounds and profound lyricism in a plethora given as with “ITM”, it does show glimpses of the greatness awaiting the talented rapper who seems to travel the path of success in his own lane. Enjoying the journey all the way to where the ‘dream” resides.
Overall Grade: 8/10
“Seen it All” is a reflective track where Stalley finds himself evaluating his surroundings, those past and present, and although it lags throughout the hook a bit, it stills makes for a decent shift of the music. Next Rick Ross finds his way onto “Hell’s Angels (American Heathens)” for a menacing tale of tough-talk, where the two trade jabs and lyrical tirades of chaos. Inspiration is found once again for “Live at Blossom” produced by Soundtrakk. The track makes for a deep transition inside the Midwest spitter’s methods and madness, as Stalley sharpens his verses with the precision of marksman to the end.
Savage Journey To The American Dream provides a well-packaged collection of new music for Stalley and MMG to flourish in; although Savage Journey doesn’t quite capture the soulful, intoxicating sounds and profound lyricism in a plethora given as with “ITM”, it does show glimpses of the greatness awaiting the talented rapper who seems to travel the path of success in his own lane. Enjoying the journey all the way to where the ‘dream” resides.
Overall Grade: 8/10
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2 Comments:
that's a generous review. This mixtape was horrible, it really was a set back for Stalley....3.5 out of 10
True indeed, this mixtape wasn't what we expected after "ITM" and "MadStalley", creatively. Hopeful that his next release will make up for it.
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