Jimmy Teflon “Money Talks” (Album)

Artist: Jimmy Teflon

Title: Money Talks

Release date: 12/19/2021

What’s good everyone? Today’s forecast comes from the 775 based artist, Jimmy Teflon. Jimmy has had a good run the last two years in his local community’s music scene, making a good name for himself, his music, and his work making cover artwork for his peers. Becoming a multi-faceted creative who is resourceful and willing to learn what he needs to in order to execute his vision. Fast forward to December 19th and his first full length album, Money Talks, is released. After spending some time listening and digesting the hard work, its time to get into the project itself.

To provide some quick background, Jimmy approached the Weather Watcher a few months back with an inquiry about an interview for a press run he was doing. After a brief interaction, he informs me of the project titled “Money Talks” and his concept for the album. Becoming the first artist to book WW for paid video services, he lives what he says about paying people for their time. Utilizing the name of his project by investing everything he had into developing his roll out. Sure enough, over the next couple months, WW would see Jimmy bring to fruition all he intended to with the release of this project. Taking the time to work on his sound and presentation in way, better than he has ever before.

To have been a witness in his creative journey towards putting out the best set of music that he has made, since beginning his musical journey just about 3 years ago, is a treat. There was nothing accidental or rushed about the roll out of this album, so without any further delay. Let’s get into Money Talks.

“Intro”

The album starts off with Jimmy setting the scene for the world he is about to bring you into. A strong beginning to a movie like experience, Jimmy keeps it simple. Some of the best songs titled “Intro” have the phenomenon of setting the tone for a strong album. Providing a small glimpse of his best qualities as a vocalist. Grabbing the attention of listeners with his captivating tone of voice and bouncy cadence. The subtle vocal samples in the build up of the instrumental bring an interesting contrast while Jimmy skillfully glides across the bass line. “Tell me what you want, wanna be something, aye.” Jimmy’s mission statement is to get up and get it. Regardless of how he gets there, he is going to make something of himself when others might not agree with the sentiments. An affirmation in itself, the intro is just as catchy as some of the songs. However, despite it being a great start, it is far from the best song and serves as a light appetizer for Jimmy’s creation.

“Money Talks”

The song Money Talks is the first track on the body of the project and continues the path of doubling down on the thesis of the project. Accompanied by a visual directed by Tragedy Struck, the song serves show case for Jimmy’s lyrical ability. The hook comes in aggressively to let listeners know that Jimmy is all about his bag and how he is going to get his next one. Whether or not he has to take what he feels he deserves, he’s going to find a way to run up the federal reserve notes. The first verse elaborates on the sentiments but the notable characteristics of the 16 comes from the syllable game demonstrated by Jimmy’s pen. A balanced cadence that translates into a technical delivery. The momentum shifts back into the hook and into the second verse where Jimmy strengthens his song structure. The story telling and imagery in verse two, lets listeners get an insight of Jimmy’s influences as his delivery increased in sharpness. You can tell Jimmy had intention with the lyrics and creating moments in the record by properly distributed energy. A fun record that prepares you to consume what is next to follow.

Run to the Bank

Track three comes in with Jimmy in prime form, with a shift in stance but equally stylish. This one is a personal favorite in the track listing as it is perfectly on brand for the persona of Jimmy Teflon. Jimmy does not hold back with his rhyme schemes that audibly pattern their way over the high energy ad-libs. The content of the verse is fun, irreverent, and everything that checks off all the boxes for being certified as a banger. The bridge with the chant-like delivery brings an appropriate palate cleanse for listeners before transitioning into the hook. “Run to the bank, I run.” Keeping it simple for the chorus, the production/vocal mixing/scratching all play their part in bringing a unique texture to the song’s hook. Perhaps the most addicting part of the record, that has me ready to go collect a bag just as fast as I plan on spending it. This one blesses listeners with the same hustle that Jimmy applies to his creative endeavors. Doing only what he knows makes sense, and that’s dollars.

Swivel

This right here will be a staple in Jimmy’s catalog for years to come. Seeing him in some of his sharpest deliveries and imagery utilized in between his verses. With the sentiment of the best offense being a hard defense. Doing what ever it takes in his “get money” situations. He’s willing to take what he deserves or at least what he wants when he sees it. Dropping lines “I don’t wanna kill the boy, Jimmy wanna rob him” with enough energy to stop an enemy in their tracks. A business man now, speaking on the times when he was not ashamed to take for his. Those survival tactics become habits hard to break. I would expect nothing else from the Teflon don. Right on James.. right on. The song itself is reminiscent of Jimmy’s influences but not without the expansion of his own stylistic sculpting. Be sure to add this one to the playlist next time you get to hook up to the bluetooth speaker. It is fun to get in on and recite Jimmy’s adlibs throughout the whole record.

GTA (feat. Stu J The Vamp)

The most essential song in the Jimmy Teflon catalog. This song serves as the emergence, or introduction, of Jimmy Teflon in the world of music that we are familiar with today. The track itself is the first single to release from the project, getting the video treatment (seen above) while merging the original with Stu J The Vamp and the Remix with Dxnny Dolphin for the video. In the album, the original version makes the final track listing. The song is simply infectious, perfect for any first impression on the aux cord or a good clip on your social media. However, it is so much more than that. The song itself is sharp and well executed, there is nothing you can dislike about it unless you are that big of a hater. Jimmy’s voice immediately cuts in the instrumental and takes you on a trip that only Jimmy can guide. Everything about Jimmy’s performance is stylish and full of charisma. When you think it can’t get any better, comes a verse from Stu J The Vamp, who typically is a singing artist but contributes a strong 16 of all bars. Its easy to see the chemistry the two have organically and sonically together create a world within the music bigger than Los Santos itself.

Impala (feat. Dxnny Dolphin)

The saga of the Midtown Marauder continues into the next record featuring Dxnny Dolphin. Appropriately named “Impala,” as the song rides smoother than any SS fresh off the lot. Setting up a world of manifestation and motivation, this song is a perfect soundtrack for any type of mission. Whether you on your way to the bag, grocery store, the mall, or even to the plug, this right will make you feel like you ready to do that shit with ease. The slower, hypnotizing lull of Jimmy’s cadence on this one brings a nice change of space and opens a new lane of textures in the project. Dxnny comes in on verse two and takes the wheel for a detour that is equally entertaining as Jimmy’s. With their energies matched, this song is a sleeper and could be one that people look back on not realizing how dope it really is. Every time I listen to this one, I find myself bouncing along with it more each time.

Villain

At this point in the project, Jimmy is getting cozy. The cadences begin to vary from a collection of different variations of Jimmy’s signature sound. The persona of Jimmy Teflon is represented to the fullest in this one. The villain that you hate to love but can not deny. A pivotal moment as Jimmy confronts anyone who might feel a type of way about his image. “I’m the illest, hating my songs but you feel it.” A quick in and out track that makes you want to run back before carrying on. Two hooks and one verse is enough to leave you wanting more on this song. If being a villain sounds this good always, then where can I sign up? Cause I am obviously on the wrong side of history. Sounds way more lit over there from Jimmy’s description of what it feels like. I can’t lie, he makes it sound like the way to go.

First Class

You might have seen this one from our previous review of it in its single form via the Forecast blog: Jimmy Teflon - First Class (Official Audio)

Click the hyperlink above to read our initial thoughts of the record and give the music video a watch, while you are here.

Run It (feat. Bozzy & Stu J The Vamp)

For this record, Jimmy recruits two frequent collaborators for a refreshing change of pace. Still the same aggressive Jimmy but in a more lax tone. This brings out a new cadence out of Jimmy, which would be a pocket I would like to see more of. Carrying signature touches on his delivery that is on brand enough to make parallel comparisons to other moments of the record. Although it may be unintentional, this contributes to the overall Teflon sound which was chiseled and refined during the making of this project. Even with this song being one of the first amongst the sessions, this was the first time Bozzy hopped on a track with Teflon himself. Bozzy effortlessly slides over the beat, that he produced also. Nothing but sharp rhymes and casual transitions between clever punchlines. Last to bless the Bozzy production, is none but Stu J The Vamp. The best part about this is the whisper flow Stu comes in with before going back to serenading listeners. A well rounded offering, as he switches back to a brief rap flow to end his verse to change up the pace from the singing portion of the verse. Demonstrating the underrated versatility of Stu and closing out the track with a grace that only a heartbroken vampire can have.

Presidential (feat. Taibanz)

At the half way point in the project, the vibe is resuscitated with a new breath of life when this joint comes on. Perhaps one of the more solid offerings across the whole project, this one seems to further expanded on the pockets that were discovered on GTA. “Walk up in the spot, feeling extra Presidential,” as an opening line immediately has you feeling like that guy. Maybe not like our current or previous president, but this shit will have you feeling as dope as the 44th. One of the more technical displays of rapping abilities from Teflon, the bar structure fits the formula unique to him. There is something about the tone in Jimmy’s voice that demands the listeners attention. You get what is expected from a Teflon record in a polished form in this one. The second verse from Taibanz elevates the stylish raps propagated by the chorus. This was my first introduction to Taibanz and I was pleasantly surprised with a good first impression. After this song, future work between the two is highly anticipated. Even a project with the duo would likely be something worth considering from the artists. The chemistry is definitely there.

By Any Means (skit)

A brief introduction to transition into the track “Work,” Jimmy and Owkz have a skit. In where they are scoping out a potential lick, discussing what they’ve observed, and get ready to make the approach. This is where the project takes a cinematic approach where the hustler, named Jimmy Teflon, is serious about the bag. Even if that means he has to get his hands dirty, he will run up the digits by any means necessary. If this rap shit don’t work, this may just be where it has to go if the circumstances permit.

Work (feat. Owkz)

A record worthy of special visual treatment. The story telling from both artists is a notable characteristic of the record. Conceptually, this record is one of the more creative moments in the track listing where you see the protagonists face some sort of external conflict or pressure. Reacting the only way the know how as products of their environments. Jimmy details the reasons for one may resort to fast money to make a way. Setting the perspective for how easy it is to be desensitized to the act itself. For the almighty dollar, nothing is off limits. Another bag chaser, Owkz comes on the beat with his quick punch in and punch out delivery. Mission mode is all King Zo knows, anything else is a distraction. There’s no one right way to succeed, sometimes unorthodox situations require an unsavory approach. Pay attention to the story curated from the two and see how it unfolds.

Acrobat (feat. Doc Dolla, Ow Tubbz, & Papi Dano)

The versatility of Jimmy Teflon continues to unfold as he creates a fun based moment. Making a posse cut appropriate for any club setting, especially where the pretty women can be found. Every feature plays their role. Starting off with Jimmy Teflon and Doc Dolla, who are similarly laidback on the heavy hitting bass line. Despite their cool demeanors, they keep it peezy throughout the content of their verses. Matching each other’s energy, the pairing of the two makes for a solid momentum build for the peak of the song. OW Tubbz and Papi Dano who are both high energy deliveries and unique vocal tones. “I got one little, two little, three little bad bitch, fucking with my money you gon catch an extension.” Tubbz brings that infectious hype to the record with a verse full of amazing quotables, perhaps the most notable of the whole song. Dano closes the track out, riding the beat comfortably with the gruff flow and steady tone. A fun song, with a lot going on within the 3 minutes.

Clockwork

A personal favorite of the WW since this was teased on a past episode of The Blueprint Podcast. There’s nothing too deep about the record, it’s simply a statement and an impressionable one at that. Lyrical exercise for Jimmy as he plays with his delivery and syllable work. The animation and atypical vocal inflections bring a new dimension to Jimmy’s style. There’s not much else to say except the boy snapped. No concept needed, just vibes purely off visceral response. The most replay value song aside from GTA, Clockwork may be the under dog of the whole tape at a quick 2 minutes. Come get a feel for Jimmy’s lyrical potential and influences transpire into great perspective via wax. Every time you play this, just remember, WW told you first that this a fucking gem.

Eye for an Eye (feat. Tiuz Soprvno)

With a smooth transition from the previous to this one, the eerie instrumental on this trance like record makes room for Jimmy’s chant chorus to shine. Speaking on the art of war and what is expected when the bag is at stake. Eye for an eye is the creed of the lifestyle depicted throughout the whole project. When you’ve lost enough folks, it is easy to feel both sides of the coin. Revenge with every calculated step is the only way to feel at ease for the loss felt. A simple but powerful sentiment. Jimmy tells it the only way he knows how. An interesting take on the concept comes from the feature by Tiuz Soprvno. With every bar, hitting the nail in the coffin about what it means to settle the score. “Y’all started smoking weed and y’all can’t sleep without it. I lost my cousin to the streets, so I don’t leave without it. I swear life precious, it’s something we all can’t afford. I’ll have you talking to your family through a Ouija board.” A cold verse that leaves you thinking a little deeper about the layer of ice that covers the earth’s crust. A perfect way to elevate the alley oop that was tossed up by Jimmy initially.

Like Me

“Jimmy why you here again?” Despite being track sixteen of the tape, Jimmy remains with palate cleansing sounds. A well rounded ability to keep an attention span going in the streaming era, especially anything north of 12 records. Alas, he pulls it off as this is easily one of the most contagious records. There’s something about the charisma in this record that makes it something to completely delve into. Jimmy is brutally honest with it and tells it like he sees it. There’s no shame in Jimmy’s approach, as he is simply being himself on this one. It’s fun and organic to hear an artist embrace their authenticity. “You won’t find another like me, monster in the night, dodging where the lights be.” Jimmy is not the type to do things he is not into nor be around those who are not deserving of his energy. To be selective with your time and knowing of your contributions is not an inherently innate trait. Jimmy swags out and does it in a way no one else can. So if you are a true individual who embraces their flaws and all, then this may be your record. Spin this every time you need to feel yourself a little more.

EST. 403

403, the number tatted on his hand and associated with the Crxbxne Mafia collective he pushes. Listen to this to get a feel for the movement associated with his music and the feelings associated with it. “Wanna large house with a really big ceiling. I wanna get paid, I don’t wanna be the villain. I ain’t tryna steal chips just for a fucking meal and then a little bit of dranks for a little bit of feeling.” At this point of the able, this line right here makes it seem as if the protagonist (Jimmy) is seeing a change in his conscience realizing that how he was previously is not right. Knowing feeling and acting this way is not sustainable in the long term. Is money really worth all that you have to carry with it when you choose to put the dollar on a pedestal? If that has ever crossed Jimmy mind or not, in the flow of the album, you see a change in the sentiments expressed. Perhaps this is the pivotal moment where growth is exhibited and insight to the future begins to grow for Jimmy. An interesting record with a lot to unpack, but seems to be a crucial moment in Money Talks.

Wish You Well

'Wish You Well’ is perhaps the bravest moment in the whole project. Jimmy completely changes the dynamic of his artistry specifically for this moment in which he shows a more vulnerable side to his psyche. He doesn’t want to do these things he does for the attention or the more shallow reasons his generation may aspire to have. All he wants is what he deserves and what he never had before. To be stable in this world and grow into the person he was always meant to be. When trying to accelerate your own growth, it is hard to find people who are able to take the journey with you. Everyone has their own pace and the pain comes from falling behind or moving ahead without them. It comes down to how bad you want to grow, much like many plants, you have to cut off dying leaves to make room for healthy ones to sprout. “I ponder the question of what do I want. When do I start? When is enough? Get to the top or take it and run. I don’t want the fame but I do want the love. So leave me alone, I don’t need a friend, I need me a girl to go get me bread. Cause all of my life, your boy has been kicked and taken advantage, won’t happen again.” Nothing in this life is guaranteed, so why not take the bag that fits you and get ghost with people you cherish. A lot of fucked up things happen in this life and trying to back on track in a way that is enabling to your prosperity is daunting. Something people do not even consider until very late in life, so Jimmy feeling these things at only 21-22 years of age is telling of his headspace and what he has been through.

Thessalonians (skit)

An interesting interlude touching on the topic of grief as stated in the book of bible ‘Thessalonians 4:13’ (Chapter 4 verse 13), see below:

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

Life is loss and loss is life, the inevitable never ceases to remove yourself from everyone else going through the same things. It is easy to forget your grief is not anyone else’s, however, that shouldn’t be what makes you give up on carrying on. With faith and hope, we are able to carry on with the suffering that comes with being alive.

Memento Vivre

“Don’t forget to live” is the meaning of the phrase used as the title of this track. A moment where Jimmy vents about what has been pensively weighing heavy on his conscience. Thinking of moments of his life where he has learned something, whether it be from what he has done or seen. Everything we go through shapes us and the ones who grace our journeys with their contribution. See the beauty of life is that no matter what you come from or had to subject yourself to, directly or indirectly, that fuels what you are meant for. Your decisions or shortcomings do not define you. You can have these regrets or vices that you picked up along the road. For some reason, you continue to wake up everyday when people, who may have deserved it, couldn't be. “And thank you for always showing me your love. Eternally grateful, heaven knows that I ain’t get enough. I’m making this music, I hope it’s the kind that you want. All I do is work, I’ll stand in your shoes but i’ll stay in my gloves. Thank you.” The closing words to a full experience into the mind and heart of Jimmy Teflon. A natural born hustler, rough around the edges but with a heart big enough to see the frame around the picture. To hear the sincerity of his appreciation for life, the ups and downs it comes with, and the potential for something unexpected finding its way to you is the inspiration that stems from Jimmy’s story.

Overall, the project is a solid collection of everything the creative has to offer, leading up until the very moment of this release. Hopefully there were some lessons learned, memories made, and paper accumulated all while spinning this album. The WW is thoroughly impressed with the time, effort, and concentration that went into making a long length project so easy to consume. Compliments to the chef!

Let us know your thoughts on our social media, go watch the visuals and stay tuned for the “Presidential” music video coming soon on Jimmy’s Youtube channel. Go subscribe, stream the album below, and follow Jimmy on social media at the bottom of this post.

Until the next forecast, stay tuned… and don’t forget to RUN IT UP!

— the weather watcher 🌦🛰