Despite being behind bars — and facing an impending life sentence in federal court — Memphis emcee Pooh Shiesty gave fans a gift with for the holidays with his new release “Federal Contraband.”
Now available on digital streaming platforms as of Dec. 29, Shiesty freestyles on a phone recording from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami. This is the XXL Freshman’s first release since his collaborative effort “SUVs (Black on Black)” with Jack Harlow back in August.
Stemming from his June incarceration, Shiesty has remained relatively silent since he turned himself in after a strip club shooting in March — later emerging in December with a message on his Instagram.
Over five minutes long, his latest effort “Federal Contraband” features a piano melody accompanied by a punchy bass — making listeners catch a wave right from the start. The first part of the song focuses heavily on Shiesty’s incarceration and how it is affecting him mentally.
Shiesty opens the back half of the track wanting to get away from sad subjects, as he shifts to rapping about being free and what’s transpired while he’s been in prison. In the second verse, the Memphis rapper touches on Lil Durk, King Von and his beef with Kodak Black.
I brought hip-hop back, the industry watered down without me
Dumb love for my nigga Smurk but I’m the real voice of the street
Don’t condone in dyin’ hair, wearin’ purses and skinny jeans
Ayy, I’ma be back in a minute, won’t be too long ’til I’m free, yeah
Ayy, won’t be too long ’til I’m free, won’t be too long ’til I’m free
Watch out bro
I tried to drop some shit with Dolph and Gotti, called a nigga murked
Let Gucci squash shit with me and Kodak ’cause it wasn’t even worth it
Pooh Shiesty – “Federal Contraband”
Before turning himself in, Shiesty dropped his debut album Shiesty Season on Feb. 5 helping him earn Billboard Music’s inaugural Hip-Hop/R&B Freshman of the Month. Featured on that album is Shiesty’s breakout hit single “Back in Blood” featuring Lil Durk. This would serve as Shiesty’s first hit earning him his top song peaking at No. 13.
Check out Pooh Shiesty’s latest offering ‘Federal Contraband’ below!
