This EP was released on April 5th this year. Pro Zay put out one of my favorite albums of last year with Gutta Glory, so I was eager to see how he would follow it up. We’re getting a sequel to ALLEY MUZIK later this year, so that should be exciting. However, in the meantime Pro Zay has released this project right here with a different Lupara member, SB11, whose work I enjoyed on Josiah the Gift’s God Is Gracious album. SB11’s beats on WateRR‘s latest album were really nice as well. I kinda figured that I would enjoy this project to some extent, but it still ended up surpassing my expectations.
The first song is a highlight called PLAY WIT SOMETHIN’ SAFE. I think the production on this song is absolutely stunning. It’s really dark and hard-hitting. Pro Zay fits over it perfectly. He sounds like a fuckin’ monster on this track. I know his vocal delivery is kind of an acquired taste. It’s something listeners either love or hate. I personally really dig it. I think it matches the lyrical content and tone of the production really well. He just sounds so fucking cold whenever he says anything on the mic. I love it. I love the verse, and the hook on this track is really nice.
Wouldn't ask of another if I wouldn't do it myself
That's why I stay dolo, rather do it myself
Make sure the job done right, I rely on myself
And I wouldn't trust you fucks, can barely trust myself
There’s really nothing about this song that I don’t like. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the project. I think it’s dope as hell. The following track is called NOTHIN’ FREE, and it’s got another really nice beat. The instrumental here is slightly repetitive, but it’s not bad enough to ruin the song. I actually like how celebratory it sounds. Pro Zay sounds really good over it.
Try and walk in these shoes, your ankles snap
Had the rare SBs on when SB sent the pack
No denyin' though, I ain't play with what I say
Right hand on the bible, you'll be fine though
There’s a pretty good hook on this track. That’s one thing that I noticed and appreciated about this project; pretty much every song here has a good hook. Anyway, the second verse on this song is pretty cool. His flow is pretty unique. I really fuck with this track. It’s not one of my favorites on this project, but I definitely enjoyed it quite a bit. I think it’s dope. The penultimate track is a highlight entitled CAN YOU COUNT? The way the preceding track transitions into this one is amazing. That’s one of the coolest transitions I’ve heard all year. The production on this song is phenomenal too. This might be my favorite beat on the whole project, which is saying a lot. I really love the hook on this song, and the first verse is fantastic.
Heavy snow in our forecast, but I'm from Texas
Where it's hot 'cause everyone got they strap
And everyone can handle that
Duct tape around the handle, shoelace to pull it back
The second verse is even better than the first one in my opinion.
Smarten up, catch a clue
The same ones who shake your hand leave you wet like morning dew
And don't say nothin' to me unless you step in my shoes
I really love everything about this track. I think the production is stellar, the rapping is superb, and the hook is really catchy. The song’s dope as hell. Same goes for the closing track, PAYLOAD. The fast-paced, tense production here is excellent, and, once again, the hook here is really great. In fact, this might be my favorite hook on the whole project. The first verse on this song is fire.
See, y'all down bad, you go to the internet and bitch When I'm down bad, it's back to dimes in the niche Grind the fish, seen they sign they name in cursive Shit, life's a bitch
He just sounds so good over this beat. I love how he was kinda teasing ALLEY MUZIK 2 in the lyrics. That was cool. Overall, this is another one of the best songs on the project. I think it’s phenomenal.
This project is dope as hell. I think this is one of the best projects I’ve heard from Pro Zay, and a lot of it has to do with the superb production from SB11. These beats are marvelous. There’s not a single track on this project that I don’t think is great. Pro Zay sounds like a beast over these instrumentals, and the hooks are all really nice. This shit just made me way more excited for ALLEY MUZIK 2 than I was before listening to it. I think this is one of the best projects I’ve heard so far in 2023. Don’t sleep on it. It’s really great.
Favorite Song: CAN YOU COUNT?
Least Favorite Song: NOTHIN’ FREE
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