Boldy James already dropped one stellar project this year, and now, he’s reconnected with Montreal producer Nicholas Craven for another joint tape.
Dropping their collab album Fair Exchange, No Robbery on Friday (Sept. 30), the pair weave their respective styles seamlessly through the LP’s brief 10 tracks. Released nearly two weeks after the single “Scrabble,” Craven tailors each beat for Boldy’s nonchalant delivery and makes him sound even more bold and enticing over its jazzy, soul-sampled cuts.
He consistently delivers on each track, as the project’s sole feature Gue Wop manages to make a lasting impression on “0 Tre Nine.” Wop dances around Boldy as they trade verses and his energetic deliver is the perfect compliment to Boldy’s dry wit.
Fair Exchange, No Robbery comes after Boldy’s second album with Real Bad Man Killing Nothing released earlier this year and is Craven’s first collaboration dropped since his solo project Craven N 3. Even after two stellar projects released this year, it seems as though Boldy is right to work on the next one.
Boldy just capped off his performance with frequent collaborator The Alchemist at Rolling Loud and suggested that the duo is already working on new music. Though no date was given, any news of these two back in the studio is always a welcomed sign.
After yet another incredible year, fans can’t wait to see what Boldy cooks up with Alchemist whenever their work drops. For now, Boldy and Craven have yet again blessed them with another fine offering.
Listen to ‘Fair Exchange, No Robbery’ by Boldy James and Nicholas Craven below!
Nicholas Craven announces collab album with Boldy James, shares lead single ‘Scrabble’
One of the underground’s most esteemed producers is teaming up with one of its most dependable stars.
Nicholas Craven and Boldy James are set to release their currently unnamed joint project on Sept. 30 — flexing a taste of the tape on its lead single “Scrabble.”
Craven tweeted the LP’s announcement alongside “Scrabble” on Sept. 1, as his latest offering features a few of his sonic staples: Sampling classic soul singers and a steady, looping beat. Boldy leisurely strolls through the meditative beat with his laid-back flow, rapping about “ducking the alphabet like we playing scrabble.”
The alphabet in this case refers to the numerous police agencies that are potentially looking to catch him. Craven cultivates this relaxed atmosphere and lets Boldy continue to do what he’s been doing at such an impressive level for the past few years.
“Scrabble” and the upcoming album is yet another addition to Boldy’s long working relationship with Craven. The duo have steadily dropped fresh-pressed cuts and loose singles alike, starting with “Yzerman” off Craven’s solo album Craven N 3. Later, they linked up once more for “Death & Taxes” in July and again for “Power Nap” last month. All three of these tracks will presumably be found on the forthcoming project.
Boldy has already dropped a stellar project this year with Real Bad Men on Killing Nothing. His immediate chemistry with producers has come through time and time again, as the Griselda emcee’s upcoming album seems to be no different. With Freddie Gibbs, YG, Kid Cudi, and now Boldy and Craven dropping on the same day, Sept. 30 is gearing up to be a feast for listeners.
Listen to “Scrabble” by Boldy James and Nicholas Craven below!
