U Wasn’t There Cover Art by Kunle Martins
Building up to their highly-anticipated forthcoming collaborative project U Wasn’t There, superstar DJ/producer/Fool’s Gold founder A-Trak and New York trendsetter/lyricist/cultural icon Cam’ron share the album’s second single, “Ghetto Prophets” feat. Conway the Machine, out today. Complete with trumpet-blaring production by A-Trak, Lakim, & DJ Khalil and Cam’s signature merciless wordplay, “Ghetto Prophets” is an anthemic offering sure to keep expectant fans at bay as they await the 9-track album – out September 23rd via Empire. In A-Trak’s words, ”Ghetto Prophets” is Killa Cam in his most cold-hearted ways. You can already hear Funk Flex’s bombs over this one.” Listen to “Ghetto Prophets” HERE.
“Ghetto Prophets” follows the release of U Wasn’t There lead single, “All I Really Wanted,” produced by A-Trak, Beautiful Lou, & G Koop – a soulful Harlem homage in which Cam effortlessly recounts his teenage years as a basketball player, growing up with fallen heroes Big L and Bloodshed, and hustling his way to legendary status.
Cam’ron and A-Trak first connected in 2014 through entrepreneur and record executive Damon Dash who had a vision for a 3-way collaboration that would combine the cachet of the Diplomats, Fool’s Gold and Bluroc brands. The unlikely pair quickly became friends and started recording at Cam’s house in the suburbs of New Jersey. Their early demos were to become the Federal Reserve EP, a fabled project that was announced with a Complex cover story but never saw the light of day – although fans got a taste of it with the hit single “Dipshits” (included on U Wasn’t There as a bonus track).
In recent years, A-Trak took it upon himself to craft the ultimate Cam’ron album, tracking down the elusive rapper for sessions in Las Vegas, New York and LA, meticulously curating a list of features – Conway The Machine, Jim Jones, Popcaan, Styles P, Juelz Santana – and co-producers – Just Blaze, DJ Khalil, Lakim, !llmind and more – for a crystallized, contemporary take on the Dipset sound we know and love. Killa Cam’s pen is as sharp as ever, combining his usual swagged-out braggadocio with lucid, introspective moments – a king at the top of his game, reflecting on his legacy. And of course, Damon Dash pops in here for some trash-talking and philosophizing. To top it off, A-Trak commissioned original artwork by IRAK’s own Kunle Martins, a New York City heavyweight in his own right. Nearly 10 years in the making, U Wasn’t There is nothing short of a cultural touchstone, adding a remarkable pillar to both A-Trak and Cam’ron’s storied careers.
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
