For this seventh studio LP, Wildcard continues to push himself as an artist, embrace inspiration, and explore his past on Western Promises, which marks his fourth release in just as many years. The title is a throwback to a lyric he thought of back in 2007 when he saw the film Eastern Promises, and it’s been lingering in his head ever since. “It morphed into a full project and a homage to the two places I’ve called home over the years—San Gabriel Valley, Calif., and Spokane, Wash.,” he explains.
As a result, Western Promises is brimming with callbacks to Wildcard’s life, both in the past and present. He’s also unafraid to get introspective, like he does on the standout track “Pink Diamonds,” but he does it in his own way with insightful commentary and his trademark humor. He uses that same energy for more of a throwback banger with “The Era,” which he laces with dope wordplay and storytelling.
For Wildcard, this album represents capturing his inspiration like only he can—through the lens of a smartmouthed emcee with an ear for dope production. “I was super-inspired for this album, to the point I was writing at parks and on the beach on sunny days,” he says. “I just stayed open-minded and let the creative juices flow.”
Another part of that creative inspiration? His close friend and fellow artist Celph Titled who, long story short, insisted that Wildcard was taking too long between projects. Once he got that guidance, he ran with it. “Plus, I’m getting older and I’ve got a lot to say,” he says with a laugh. “It was the perfect advice that arrived at the right time.”
Wildcard’s thirst for his art is especially apparent on the single “Glass Moon Deluxe,” a slick collaboration with living legend Krayzie Bone. The two first connected back in 2006 and have stayed in touch ever since. And Wildcard felt it was only right to bring it full circle with “Glass Moon Deluxe,” which features Krayzie in the newly released, very stylish, video as well.
Check out the visuals and head over to your preferred digital retailer or streaming platform to support Western Promises, out now via Quality Music.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
