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
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.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
