Creating buzz with his unfiltered attitude and lyrical bars, Finesse2Tymes is one of the rap game’s most productive characters. Capping off a successful year, the Memphis rapper shares Art of War, his new album. The 17-track project finds Finesse embodying the themes of the influential Chinese text it’s named after, strategically planning his rise to the top of the rap game and highlighting his ability to win without even fighting.
Finesse sets the tone for the project on opener “They Won The Battle,” feeling unapolgetic about his brutal honesty and crowning himself the “Prince of Memphis.” He keeps the unfiltered energy high on “Duckin No Action,” ready for anything that comes his way whether it’s beautiful women or the opps. Always keeping it real, Finesse gets reflective on “No Love,” recognizing the ups and downs that come with fam. As the project continues, Finesse leans heavily into soulful samples on tracks like “Fallin” and “Pretty Ricky,” showing off his version of romance and how he’ll treat his girl. With the project coming to a close, Finesse shares the lessons he’s learned over the years on tracks like “Jail Talk” and “Loyalty, Respect & Business.”
While Finesse’s solo tracks on Art of War are standout, the project’s features take the energy even higher. On “Miami With The Heat,” Finesse teams up with Florida boys Kodak Black and Luh Tyler, where the trio get deep in their bag. Rob49 and GloRilla join Finesse on the upbeat “Show Dat Work,” a previously released highlight track. On “Knowledge Is Power,” Finesse taps Lil Tjay, who brings his signature Bronx flow to emphasize the importance of standing on business. With additional features from DaBaby, NLE Choppa, and Hunxho, Art of War is available everywhere via Mob Ties / Bread Gang / Atlantic Records.
The road to Art of War began earlier this year with popular singles like “Down Bad” and “Very Demure” ft. NLE Choppa. Born and raised on the East Side of Memphis, most of Finesse’s young adulthood was surrounded by the walls of a prison cell. His first prison stint happened at 14 and he was in and out of prison until his most recent release. At 21, he started formally making music, forming a collective called Memphis Greatest Underrated with several local artists including Blac Youngsta and Moneybagg Yo. The crew released a self-titled EP in 2019 while Finesse was serving his final stint in prison as the group disbanded. While away, Finesse perfected his craft, writing rhymes and plotting his next moves to ensure this prison sentence will be his last. He found a way to keep track of the major players in the industry who followed his music. Among them was Mob Ties Founder and CEO J Prince Jr., son of legendary Rap-A-Lot kingpin J. Prince, who later signed him. At the top of July 2022, Finesse left prison and boarded a private jet bound for Houston. The start of his new life had finally begun.
With Art of War out now, Finesse2Tymes is ready to secure his place in rap stardom. Stay tuned for much more from him soon on Hi[pHopSince1987.
© 2024, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
