This week, Michigan’s most mischievous rap trio, the Shittyboyz, dropped the visual for “Sly Cooper” off their latest project Trifecta (released on Feb. 18th).
Over the last few years, BabyTron, StanWill and TrDee of the Shittyboyz have been making their mark with a constant stream of music — flexing their distinct, polarizing brand of hip-hop that combines the raw, in-your-face and often “offbeat” Michigan style with a youthful, internet-native feel. Simply put, if the SoundCloud scene was a country, the Shittyboyz would run the Midwest.
“Sly Cooper” is a great example of Shittyboyz’ unusual combination of styles. The production is a well-executed mix of staple Detroit sounds with the retro-sounding theme song from the popular 00’s video game, Sly Cooper — a nostalgic soundtrack for early Playstation players that could best be described as a flutey combination of ‘007 and Mission Impossible.
As the instantly recognizable Detroit drums drop, BabyTron enters to trade irreverent, relentless bars with StanWill and TrDee in their signature nonchalant flows about sneaking around the city — much like the song’s iconic video game character namesake.
In the run-and-gun music video for “Sly Cooper” (directed by Young Will), we see the Shittyboyz mobbing around Atlanta and visiting a convenience store to touch every item in sight. We also get a good look at BabyTron’s signature disheveled look as he rocks his favorite accessory, the Pooh Shiesty mask.
Whatever anyone has to say about his unusual style and unorthodox delivery, BabyTron has been putting on for the Shittyboyz in a major way. After inking a deal with EMPIRE last year following his breakout album Luka Troncic, he went on to drop Bin Reaper 2 — an unexpectedly well-received project that would catch the attention of everyone from Kevin Durant to Jack Harlow to Detroit big dog, Big Sean. The project also had notable features from Detroit staple KrispyLife Kidd, honorary Michigan boy Lil Yachty, and RTB MB — better known as the Flint-native star forward for the Charlotte Hornets, Miles Bridges, and easily one of the best athlete-rappers to ever do it.
Like it or not, BabyTron and the Shittyboyz have reasserted the allure and market for their grimey, in-your-face style and unorthodox delivery. Combined with their prolific output and freakish work ethic, the evidence suggests that there is plenty left in the tank for Michigan’s favorite trio.
Check out the video for “Sly Cooper below.
