Savybalboa “First Class: Turbulence - EP”
Release Date: July 18th, 2021
What’s good y’all? This Thursday’s forecast comes to us due to some windy skies. With the warm weather, it’s only appropriate a new project falling from the sky, by Savybalboa, lands. The previous Sunday, we saw the release of the third installment of the First Class series, “Turbulence.” The longest of the series and some of the best collection of textbook Savybalboa. Let’s get into the quick track by track breakdown for this EP. Passengers, I recommend you strap that seatbelt for this one.
The first track comes in with a bang, with another classic Savy freestyle track. The crisp vocals over the exotic sounding beat are a key characteristic of the short but addicting freestyles. Although the song isn’t a concept based record, Savy does an excellent job painting the picture for the day in the life of a fly guy. Speaking on his come up and things he faced growing up. Bringing Real Reno mentality to a new light. Making his city look and sound good by representing it in his music. The punchlines towards the second half of record really turn up, providing plenty of good quotable material. “7-75, gimme racks.” Don’t sleep on this one and listen quick or you might miss a gem.
The second record changes the tempo a bit for “Rollin Stone.” A smooth record with a familiar sample. The synthesizer used in the beat reminds me of something that can be found in a Roy Ayers record. A soulful sample that invokes nostalgia upon first listen. Making plenty of references to songs of the 00’s, the influences are incorporated in a clever way. Savy speaks on his character and the things that shaped his morals. Regardless of the negative influences that have crossed his path, Savy persevered and broke the cycles he was predisposed to be caught in. Making excuses for himself is something Savy can’t do. Use his lessons to help keep your head straight. A lot of wisdom shared in this record.
Listen, J War in the Kitchen! 🗣 For track 3 Savy is on ventilation mode and is looking to release the pain. Over the years, the trauma of losing family and close friends has solidified something in him. Perhaps to the point to where it can conflict with external stimuli but he recognizes and acknowledges being stuck in his ways. However you want to slice it, it’s working for him. Struggle builds character and he’s got plenty of it. Standing by every word he says and loyal to his loved ones no matter what. The family might be concerned about him but he keeps his head on a swivel. After losing someone considered a brother, it makes you think differently about how you move. He can’t stop everything about the lifestyle but he can move like he’s important because he is to the people around him.
Savy links up with DatBoyGood again for another gem. Once again, sharing sentiments to learn by and gain a little perspective through Savy’s words. Call it hard headed but whatever Sav gets into, he’s going to approach it with ten toes down. The results of the path taken are to be accepted easily. Even when it’s unfavorable, you remain strong. It’s the only way to not dwell on former pain to prevent the corruption of ones own spirit. He puts it into perspective, speaking on incarcerated family. He has loved ones going through things and it’s something he saw his whole life ever since childhood. To carry strength for his people is all he knows. No matter what happened, Sav always collected his blessings and acknowledging them helps keep him sane. Things have been better these days and the lessons learned are serving him well.
In this record, Savybalboa recruits LaDontrae for a smooth vibe on expressing gratitude in this life. “I had to change up my demeanor. Every night I was fighting demons.” Over time the scars we collect can bring up the same feelings that occurred when the wounds were fresh. To be consumed by the things you couldn’t control is easy. Every now and then you got to get yourself in check. By obsessing over every little setback it takes away focus on the upcoming opportunities ahead of you. Sometimes a shift in perspective can literally turn your life around. Now that your head is back on straight, you are ready to get back in the fold. After Sav kicks wisdom to the listeners, LaDontrae takes it away to close the record with a silky serenade.
Savybalboa took me back with a name I haven’t heard in years, Kellz. Perhaps 2015-2016 I was hearing stories about the Reno based artist from a good friend. It was dope to see the growth from the initial introduction. The two link up to mesh their distinct styles and create a sound exclusive to Reno. Taking over the hook, Kellz tosses up the rock for Sav to slam it in with a heavy verse. Briefly going back and forth on the instrumental, the two fusion danced with the different styles to cohesively weave across the track. The chemistry displayed by the duo has me thinking a collab project would be proper. Both artists provide the vibes to motivate the highest level of hustler possible. If playing this does not make you want to get up and get it, nothing else will.
Saving the best for last, Savy hits the listeners with proper AUX cord ammunition. The beat immediately hooks you in, J War in the Kitchen does his thing. Do I hear the David Banner sample? Bringing back gold from the 00’s classic with that 2021 twist. Between that and the interpolation of Webbie’s “Independent” in the hook, my mind was tripping down memory lane. Creating a full on movie for this one, Savy hits the lot with his day ones. Fly shit only. Strictly exotic: weed, women, and whips. Savybalboa paints a picture of all the perks that come with this rap shit. Not everyone is built for this but the ones who can relate will definitely feel what Savy has to say. The @DreampilotFilms production shows Savy enjoying some classic better living. The perfect song to put on when you’re feeling yourself. See what Sav grabs the keys to and who he’s riding with. Also, don’t worry about what he’s smoking on. You got to bring your own. Give this tape a listen while you roll up or any activity enjoyed alongside music. Tap in with the links below for more Savybalboa music. This EP is a solid one.
— the weather watcher 🌦🛰