2.9.2023
Video: J Stalin – “Backwoods” ft. Kevin Allen
West Oakland’s Favorite Son Shares the Latest Clip From His New Album Prenuptial Agreement 2
Critical Praise:
“Vibrant and exploding with personality, J. Stalin is a knowing, mischievous wise-ass whose charisma hangs between unapologetic cockiness and the ability to cut through rap’s fantasy-addled drug fetishism and provide sobering reality.” – Pitchfork
“One of Oakland’s illest MCs” – XXL
“As the owner of Livewire Records, West Oakland rapper J Stalin provides a place for the growth of incredibly creative, meat-and-potatoes Bay Area hip-hop. The label hosts gritty rubbery street music that navigates crack dealing devastation and grounded partying tracks with equal aplomb, with artists that range from Stalin himself to MCs like Shady Nate and Philthy Rich among others.” – SPIN
“This is what Stalin does: he takes things–sounds, human beings, grocery stores–and warps them into something extraterrestrial. It’s eerie, but you’re dancing anyway.” – Passion of the Weiss
The Video:
J Stalin is a crucial figure in the history of Oakland hip-hop, who reoriented the region’s sound around the hard-nosed, slickly produced Mob Music in which he specializes. Delivering a short film about his favorite vice, Stalin shares “Backwoods.” A soulful dedication to his favorite girl, Mary Jane, “Backwoods” reverberates with passion and paranoia in equal measure, mimicking the effects of Stalin’s favorite drug. The song features a guest appearance from Kevin Allen, a fellow Bay Area rapper, whose mellow 16 provides a contrast to Stalin’s hard-hustling bars. The video finds J Stalin walking around town with the personification of a Backwoods blunt, before heading to a hotel and popping bubbly with Kevin Allen and some baddies.
“Backwoods” is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin’s new album, following clips for project highlights “To Do List” and “Who U Talkin 2 (ft. June).” The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a rgional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers’ anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from Mob Music architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida’s Jackboy and Stockton’s EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.
Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.
Watch “Backwoods” ft. Kevin Allen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgsBNAnyNRo
Stream Prenuptial Agreement 2: https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2
Buy tickets HERE for the Livewire Reunion Tour, featuring J Stalin, Philthy Rich, and Lil Blood
Prenuptial Agreement 2 tracklist:
- The Boss
- Who U Talkin 2 (ft. June)
- Bricks in the City (ft. Jackboy)
- World On My Shoulders
- A Lot of Money (ft. 22nd Jim)
- Everywhere I Go
- Basic (ft. Lyjah)
- Don’t Front Pt. 2 (ft. Big Breaux)
- To Do List (ft. June Poole)
- Issues (ft. Stunnaman02 & Lyjah)
- S. 580 (ft. Lyjah)
- Tupac (ft. EBK Young Joc)
- Count On 1 Hand (ft. Jane Handcock)
- 3 Minutes (ft. Philthy Rich)
- Backwoods (ft. Kevin Allen)
- Grind For It (ft. 4rAx of The Mekanix & Acito)
- The One
Please contact Michelle or Annjie for more info.
Links:
official site | twitter | facebook | instagram
Bio, pics, and more available here: http://www.
“Backwoods” ft. Kevin Allen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgsBNAnyNRo
“Who U Talkin 2” ft. June: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAJeq4BPiQE
“To Do List” ft. June Poole: https://youtu.be/1igzgSeXLsA
Prenuptial Agreement 2: https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2