Representing the union of two of Motor City’s finest lyricists and leading superstars, multiplatinum Detroit storyteller Tee Grizzley and rising hip-hop phenom Skilla Baby proudly present their anxiously awaited joint mixtape, Controversy, out now via 300 Entertainment/Grizzley Gang.
In tandem with the project’s arrival, they just uncovered the music video for the standout single “Striker Music.” A melodic piano loop snakes around a glitchy beat as the rappers serve up one of the most chantable choruses on the project with stomping intensity.
Cinematic flare has defined the rollout of Controversy though. “B&E Part 1” hinges on a conversation between Tee Grizzley and Skilla as they find themselves in the midst of a home invasion and robbery gone horribly wrong. At first, Tee urges, “Let’s get back to the crib and add up what we got,” only to realize, “This shit a chase.” By the time the police swarm the scene, he argues with his cohort, “Let’s change our clothes and walk up like we’re nosy that’s the coldest play.” The video displays this action in real-time.
The 12-track body of work proves unprecedented. It unexpectedly brings together two Detroit luminaries, crossing perceived lines and teaming up to deliver one of the year’s hottest collaborations. About their union, Tee commented, “Me and Skilla went and made something we can both be proud of for our city, and we ain’t stopping with this.” Skilla agreed, “At grizzley camp we eat the most… This project should separate us from the competition.”
Fittingly, the project begins with the title track “Controversy.” “Gorgeous” showcases another side of their chemistry as Skilla muses, “I keep on talking to my wrist like you gorgeous.”
They set the stage for Controversy with the single “Dropped The Lo.”
In advance of the release, Tee and Skilla gave away Playstation 5 consoles to fans in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Brooklyn. Additionally, they have been doing Call of Duty voucher giveaways for their fans.
Last month, Tee Grizzley and Skilla Baby electrified the stage together at 313 Day in Detroit. Alongside the likes of Babyface Ray, Tay B, and Sada Baby, the energetic pair ignited crowds, while celebrating the city’s spirit at the historical Fillmore Detroit. “Dropped The Lo” lands in the wake of Tee Grizzley’s epic 2022 LP, Chapters of the Trenches.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
