This is the 8th proper full length LP from Detroit veteran Boldy James. He's been breaking out in Fall 2013 since his Alchemist debut M.1.CS (My 1st Chemistry Set). He later went on to be signed to Nas' independent label Mass Appeal Records for a short time before it was locked out, but once Boldy returned home, Uncle Al would help him get his name out there again when he went out, leaving the Intense EP around Christmas 2019 and second album after The price of tea in China early last year. This was followed by Sterling Toles produced Manger to McNichols which was just as fantastic, but with the support of Griselda Records Versace movie The EP was a little disappointing given how rushed it was. Bo Jackson although it would become his most acclaimed work to date and Super Tecmo Bo was almost as great for an EP despite IceColdBishop's verse on “Hot Water Tank”. The last time I covered Boldy's music was in 2022 for the critics Fair Exchange Not Robbery Produced by Nicholas Craven & Mr. 10-08 produced by Futurewave respectively. However in light of the teasing Leadership penalty with Craven for the past couple of months, it will finally be released in the new year.
“Formal Invite” is a pleasant start to the album, assuring that every wish will come true, while “Jack Frost” works on another high-end vocal sample, talking about rushing off the label after the money that put in your head. “Evil Genius” goes into a more synthetic direction, wishing all the brothers were here with him right now, just before “Murderous Tendencies” says it all conceptually with another soulful twist.
Moving on from there, “No Pun Intended” shifts into chippunk soul territory so Bo Jack can talk about feeling like Thanos before lead single “Brand New Chanel Kicks” goes drumless making it clear that “this drug zone shit is so real” . “Straight As” brings back the soulful vibes he boasted about being in the game shit, but then “Soccer Mom” shoots for a more laid-back approach by organically speaking about the 227 Concreatures that they are.
Double D's “Early Worms Get Birds” might be the weakest on the album, mostly because the latter's look is just okay for me despite the boom bap production & Boldy's lyrics declaring there's a new sheriff in town, while chipmunk soul- The penultimate track “Speedy Recovery” advises you to sit down and take notes. “All My Tokens” is closing Leadership penalty jumping over guitars looking to stack his chips.
Fair Exchange Not Robbery it's one of Boldy's strongest LPs ever, so I was more excited for it considering it was literally the first album he recorded after being released from the hospital from the car accident he was in that he ever did. He's pretty much saying what's on his mind after a life-threatening experience, and Craven's heavy production is a step up from his last with the Detroit icon.
Rating: 9/10
