2.23.2023

Video: J Stalin – “World On My Shoulders“

The West Oakland Original Flexes His Inner Atlas in Latest Video from 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:

Standing at the vanguard of mob music for over a decade, J. Stalin exemplifies the dedication it takes to turn a wave into a movement. Reasserting his status as one of the Bay’s biggest movers and shakers, Stalin continues to carry the scene in his new video for “World On My Shoulders.” A highlight track from his recent project Prenuptial Agreement 2, “World On My Shoulders” finds Stalin reminiscing on the strength it takes to move masses: “Damn I still miss trapping with my brother/All night, counting money, laughing at the suckers.”

The video for “World On My Shoulders,” which quickly follows clips for project highlights like “Basic,” “To Do List,” and “Backwoods,” finds Stalin cruising around Oakland in a Beamer with the butterfly doors up, hopping out to reconnect with familiar faces, including his auntie, as he revels in his OG status.

“World On My Shoulders” is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin’s new album. The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a regional 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.

J. Stalin is celebrating the success of Prenuptial Agreement 2 with the Livewire Reunion Tour, hitting cities across the West Coast. The tour reunites the original Livewire Records crew, including Bay Area royalty Philthy Rich and Lil Blood. The Livewire Reunion Tour hits Club Insomnia in Oakland on May 19th and May 20th. Stay tuned for more announcements.

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 “World On My Shoulders”: https://youtu.be/ZBasX_uefh4

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: