Savybalboa “First Class: Departure - EP”
SavyBalboa “First Class: Departure”
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, SATURDAYYY. Get your sticky ready on this fine afternoon and get ready for lift off as pilot SavyBalboa hits the skies with his new EP. This one serves as a follow-up to last month’s “First Class: Red Eye” and is titled “First Class: Departure.” A 4 track offering featuring production from Dat Boy Good, Radu, and his go-to producer Listen JWar in the Kitchen. Think of this project as an expansion on the fly guy lifestyle vibes provided in the first one. Savybalboa sticks with the theme of showing listener’s about the type of influences he had in the era that he comes from. The cover is beyond iconic, Soul Plane was in rotation heavy back when the DVD dropped. Let’s get into it though. This is the Departure.
On the first track, “All Day,” Savybalboa creates an ode to your lover and engaging in what lover’s do best. This track is particularly noticeable for the interpolation of Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle’s “Saturday Love” into the chorus of the record. By the way, an amazing record that I recite at least once every week. If you are not aware of the reference, go look that up and get gamed up right quick. This is definitely one I can see waking up to on a chill day with your lady and you just trying to keep it peezy. Wake and bake, puro vibras. A great way to start the EP.
For the second song, Savy taps in with childhood influences. What 90’s kind do you know that does not fuck with Juvenile’s Back That Azz Up? In this case, Savy flips the timeless classic for the song’s hook on '“BTAU.” Only for a quick second though, as he heavily seasons the beat with his FNM x NFL sauce. This one saw both creatives, Savy and JWAR in The Kitchen, going off on what they do completely. The song was executed very well and substantiates itself as being of a universal sound. This will be one that I imagine people from all walks of life enjoying in a variety of settings. Let it be noted this is one of the top records from the project. Be sure to run this joint if you want to provide a sleeper on the aux cord at the function.
On the third record, Savy gets straight to the point. When you can show and prove, you can afford to talk that talk. A record perfect to slide down McCarran to when you trying show up during demon hours. The vibes are strictly player and if she with it then its a go. Clear for take off, red eye to Boston, tonight. All in all, a very fun sound. It is catchy, hypnotic and the mix on it does it the producer’s efforts justice. Definitely show this to that one person that makes this record a god damn mood for you. Don’t forget to use a seat belt before taking that ride though. Fly responsibly y’all.
“All my dead homies is real ones. We pour that liquor then sip one. Put that on my soul, they gon’ live on.”
To close out the EP, Savy commissions the young god LaDontrae for a player ass hook. You know it’s always a treat when these two meet. This song titled “ACNE” received a video treatment down in Las Vegas. The movie reference (I won’t spoil, you need to see it yourself) was perfect and nostalgic to the time I grew up in as well. The video really brings the record to life by creating a movie to the song itself. What I was hearing was exactly what I was seeing. Vibing with your folks and day ones is unmatched and high energy. The duo really brings you into their setting with this one and I highly recommend watching the video in full up above. I will let the video production do the speaking for this song. Just know it’s a good ass song.
To say the least, this EP is highly recommended. Definitely had fun spending time with this project. 🌡 Let me know your thoughts, you rocking with it? Stay fly now, you hear me.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Mark 4ord & OG David James - Bank Account (Official Music Video)
“I woke up in the morning, I had zero in my bank account. I told myself like this not how it’s going down.”
The forecast out of Oxnard, CA is indicative of early summer, all heat. The elite duo, Mark 4ord and OG David James, return for 4th time since their release of the record “Put It In Motion,” which was getting heavy rotation down in 805 local radio stations. Every time these two artists connect for a release, it is a hit. The contrast between the two 805 MC’s creates the perfectly textured listening experience for the most technical of rap fans.
The song begins with adlibs of OG David James melodies from the hook as Mark 4ord begins to barrage the beat with heavy hitting bars. The nostalgic, gritty rhymes from Mark bring upon vivid feelings reminiscent of the West Coast underground scene in the early 00’s but with sprinkles of influence from 2010’s era of music. A recipe that yields a dangerous concoction for 2021, a time where substance and style are meshing together better than they ever have before. After a hard 16, OG David James takes over for the hook and then takes grip of the mic for his own display of the lyrical artillery he possesses.
This is where the blending of two different styles becomes a glimpse of the direction where modern rap is heading. These two artists successfully take their influences from the eras they grew up in and twist them into a new form of expression. The originality from Mark 4ord is just as refreshing as any highly anticipated album, by any artist that can be on the Apple Music/Spotify charts. The consistency of the releases from Mark 4ord is charged up with heavy momentum, seeing 5 projects come out from 2020 til now in 2021.
In addition to Mark 4ord’s busy year (in depth catalog available on all platforms), OG David James has been releasing record after record as he gears up for his upcoming EP. The two merge their movements together and elevate their standards by matching energies every time they cut a record. Any more bangers like “Bank Account” and I will be in heavy need of a full on project. As for this song, it’s relatable, motivating, and speaks to a variety of feelings that regular people face in life. The ups and downs that perpetuate the effervescent cycle of maintaining stability can be a lot to deal with. This song right here reminds me: that tough times don’t last, tough people do.
The video is super dope and has the vintage Wild West themes that is well fit for the two wise spitters by representing for the 805 in a way that can’t be copied. The visual was filmed by @r3xwonders and the track was mixed/mastered by @jcruze at Manifest Studios.
If you have not yet, please tap in with Mark 4ord and OG David James on all platforms and social media.
dARTh Tone - Alley Cat (Official Music Video)
“Give em that Holyfield, so cold that I might give the ghost some chills. When your vision gets blurry gotta hold it still, guess my brother finally made it back to Cloverdale.”
Shwah’s good everyone? Vaded Nation is back in conjunction with 33rd Visions for the music video from the ‘Too:47 EP’ track “Alley Cat.” The visuals were directed by Doc Kollins and co-directed by Jerry Abasto of theabasto.co. Tone tells a story of reflection and celebration from the harder moments in his life. Spending that much time in a hole that life has pushed you into; being forced to make choices that only dig yourself deeper can be a lesson years in the making. The things you can and can’t control aren’t always clear but hindsight is 20/20 vision.
The hardest of his battles have been persevered through and Tone is blessed to see these days. Reassessing and rebuilding himself has been a challenge but he humbly is open with his journey. Pressure makes diamonds and Tone is ready to shine. Starring with his day one brothers as they gather to honor the late and talented, Khase (we miss you family). Tone’s setting for the video are all in areas relevant to the years he spent trying to figure it all out with his team. Long nights downtown, whether it be for shows, videos, or just kicking it. Reconnecting with the roots and places he spent time at when he was still going through it but with a better state of mind. Knowing where you come from is a major step into figuring where you want to be and Tone has done just that.
This record is another in the series of quality of content Tone is releasing on his platforms. Sticking true to the collective’s name, Tone is staying motivated and consistent all of 2021. Fresh off an EP release, multiple free verses, a video just weeks ago, and open discussion show “Set The Tone” just launching on his IG page, Tone is not laying off the gas. We have given this record a breakdown and review on our @theweatherwatcher IG page, give it a read on our posts. As for the video, take the time to enjoy the high quality visual edits and study the solid lyricism.
As a fan of music, this song is very quality and love to see it get the video treatment. I hope y’all enjoy it as much as I do. Be sure to support Tone, Vaded Nation, 33rd Vision, TheAbasto.Co, and everyone involved in this production. Also, look up Khase’s music (aka Khase Kollins) and keep the name alive as Tone continues to do everyday with his craft. Run it up!
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
The Inner Club (Ep. 4): Lexi Scatena
What’s good y’all? Just wanted to inform everyone that the good folks down at the Inner Club (WithTheVisuals & The Lightning Collective) have dropped a new episode starring Lexi Scatena. Lexi is an upcoming singer who has an alternative sound with influences of Pop and R&B. You can find the Weather Watcher review from her January 2021 single “Out of the Dark” on @theweatherwatcher IG page. This time around she performs live in studio at Cody C Music Studios. The unreleased song she skillfully serenades the production crew with is titled “Is There A Catch,” which was an exclusive premiere for the episode.
An amazing record that will bring me back to this episode many times to hear it until it gets the official drop. Following the performance comes an awesome commercial from a Reno, NV local business (watch to find out) before entering the interview portion of the show. Luke, the host for the interview, asks Lexi about her craft, goals, influences, and what’s next to come from her brand. The episode was well executed and you definitely walk away with a better idea of who Lexi is as an artist, as well as a human being.
Don’t let me ruin it all for you, give it a watch above and subscribe to their channel for more Live Performances and interviews from The Inner Club.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰
Ca$h Bandicoot & Yung Zee - YET (Official Audio)
“Yo yo !!! I need weather watcher to post the project for me mayne where y’all at!???” - Cash The Reno Legend
This week was a treat since we were blessed by a posthumous release from the late Cash Bandicoot of Reno, NV. The record is called “YET” and is a collaboration with Yung Zee of YLOC. The song comes as a leak from the upcoming project by Yung Zee, titled “Death B4 Dishonor.” Cash was really supportive of the page since the literal first day the IG account was created, he immediately followed back and knew what the vision was. It was dope to chop it up about the music from him and his camp, YLOC. One thing that was always a reoccurring theme with our discussions was unity. Cash loved the cultural variety of the local scene and even put it himself as such, “RENO UP NEXT MOST DEFINITELY.” When the idea of interviewing artists came up, I always hoped to get the first The Reno Legend interview. It was one of the things that I was trying to build this platform up for, to be able to bring this idea to life. Brief information about his affiliated artists was exchanged via DM (which will be covered later on) but an interview unfortunately could not come to fruition. About 4 days from our last message exchange, I was waken up at 1am to the news of his passing.
Although tragedy struck in February this year, as Cash was taken from the world too soon, the name and energy of a rising young talent will continue to live on. Being so close to the music scene for the last 8 years, the development I witnessed from Cash and the rest of YLOC was truly unique. They were the first local collective that I firsthand witnessed an organic following being developed. Not only that but the supporters in real life translated to actual support to the streams of all their releases. There were less than a handful of crews doing 30-100k views (on YouTube, Soundcloud, etc) at the time. As time progressed, the collective had their share of ups and downs but that never threw them off track from working on the craft.
The catalog is insane, this track serves as a reminder of the dedication and love these two artists have for the craft. This song hits different and feels good at the same time. The chemistry between both MCs in unmatched and effortlessly flows between the switch in verses. A fitting vibe for any long road trips, errands, smoke sessions, or any occasion that requires good energy. Play this record and burn one for the Reno Legend. Many blessings to you and yours. Very pleased to be sharing this track with y’all and share a brief piece of Weather Watcher history. Allow yourself to hear the song and take it in as Cash would have wanted fans of music to do.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰