Barely Legal -’’Barely Legal Tapes Vol 2 [Album Review]
Tampa-based rap group Barely Legal is a 4 man group made up of rappers Kid Dre,Band$, JO and singer Miguel Morales who joined forces some three years ago and have been able to build a solid following. Their fourth-ever live performance was at Rolling Loud in Miami earlier in the year and now they return with their brand new project titled Barely Legal Tapes Vol 2, which showcases their growth as artists and individuals. The 18-track body of work is a combination of different genres ranging from soft-rock, pop, punk, R&B and alternative hip-hop with lofi aesthetics. On the production side of things, they employ the talents of BMTJ from South Korea, Stoic from New York, and multi-platinum record producer Major 7 who help craft the genre-bending soundscapes that are heard throughout the project.
The project starts with the solemn pop-infused track titled “Killing All the fun”. Miguel Morales sets it off over sombre pads and warm textures with his captivating melodic runs followed by Kid Dre and Band$’s distinct flows rich in relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. Next up is “CHACHASLIDE” featuring Jay Browne, an 808-driven jam that showcases the rapper’s bravado prowess and authoritative lines like “Just stick to the plan like Jay told me/I ain’t shaking the hands of the ones that owe me/Got clones on me, trying to steal from me/looking mad dusty, niggaz can’t own me”. On “BANDS SKIT”, Band$ gets to meet a super excited fan who after asking to build over his SoundCloud profile starts berating the group. It’s pretty hilarious and emulates life from the outside looking in. “AROUND” is made up of a lofi vocal sample and thick trap drum grooves and is a pure display of braggadocio and no-holds-barred demeanour. This is followed by the mellow and R-rated “TOO MANY HOES” which sees the group detailing their many escapades with certain women and their underhanded adventures.
Tracks like “GOLD CHAIN” and “SOLOMON” keep the energy going with their distinct sounds. The former is an atmospheric and smoky trap jam while the latter makes use of a thumping drum break and moody textures underpinned by fiery raps and a memorable melodic chorus. “Raise UP” is another cinematic trap cut made up of thick 808s, ominous synths that play second fiddle to the rapper’s energetic flows and unfiltered bars that dive into their journey in the music game. Lines like “I had to raise up for all of my kinfolk-bitch/My granny and momma the ones I put shit that they nice in their grave for/Fuck you mean that we do not deserve it” sum up their feelings and they even tie it up with a simple but effective hook. “DRE SKIT”, here we follow Kid Dre at his day job at a fast food joint being accosted by a fan. The fan keeps asking him weird questions unnecessary questions about their performance at Rolling Loud and all the other famous rappers they met. It’s pretty awkward and again reflects life for independent artists everywhere. “CHECK PLEASE” changes the tempo and vibe of the project with its soft rock/pop aesthetics and showcases the group’s versatility and ability to push their art beyond their comfort zone. The production has that 90s pop-rock feel with its lush guitar riffs, warm cinematic pads and soft but groovy drums and vibrant melodic performances. “WATCHA YA HEAD” is a mosh pit-type track made up of rousing drum breaks and ominous pads that set the perfect canvas for the rappers to showcase their lyrical prowess in an unbridled manner and overall it’s reminiscent of Wu Tang’s early posse cuts where listeners get introduced to each member’s distinct style. “HIMOTHY” is an anthemic tune that taps into the group’s aim to stand out in the game while “NOSTALGIA” is an introspective piece helmed by singer Miguel who pours his heart over a sombre guitar-driven backdrop. He reminisces on a blossoming love and how fleeting life can be if care is not taken.
“MIGGY SKIT” sees Miguel sharing his feelings with an individual who berates him for having a victim mentality and proceeds to shut him up with some words of advice. In summary, Miguel is advised to channel his frustrations into the music and make the best out of it. “OFF THE EDGE” is an off-kilter track made up of a glitchy soundscape and off-beat rapping. “JO FOCUS SKIT” is up next and here we follow JO having a short conversation about being focused with a friend. The skit is followed by “CATAPULT”, a soulful and solemn track that is as introspective as they come. The rappers dwell on friendship, loyalty and personal loss with lines like “I love you kid but I ain’t fighting for that shit/I guess I’ll leave you alone if it’s better for you git/But don’t ever say that I ain’t trying to get better for you git/ We park separate ways and it’s hate forever for you git/I guess I’ll forgive you when I get better with that shit/I guess people leaving only make me better with that shit”. The track is also peppered with a soul-gripping hook that accentuates the nostalgic and solemn thoughts of the past.
“SORRY FOR THE WAIT SKIT” closes the project on the perfect note with a melancholic sample that plays out nicely with reverbed vocal tags. It’s simple but effective as it adds to the mixtape aesthetic of the project.
Overall, at 18 tracks long and a running time of 37 minutes, Barely Legal Tapes Vol 2 is dense and dynamic and offers listeners a plethora of sounds to enjoy. The artists are sometimes playful and unfiltered and at other times, they are insightful and vulnerable and all together they maintain a healthy balance of topics.
The project will be released next year.
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