Nelly was this year’s recipient at the BET’s Hip Hop Awards show. Super producer Jermaine Dupri presented Nelly with the “I Am Hip Hop Award”, for his decorated career and a job well done. It was a great spectacle for Nelly who was not always welcomed in the hip hop genre. I remembered St. Louis getting dissed on because of Nelly’s sing-song style.

For years St. Louis artist would get mentioned in one hit wonders vlogs as if we were the laughing stock of the industry. That was not the case on Sunday, when Nelly got up on that stage and said, “This just ain’t for me, this for my whole area, my whole city.” For that brief moment St. Louis could marvel at one of its on hometown heroes.

Nelly’s word on that stage acted as words of encouragement for our music scene. When Nelly and the St. Lunatics came out in 2001, they did not receive any co-signs, or big budget deals. Instead they earned their way up the music charts by grinding. In short, Nelly and the St. Lunatics St. Louis put in that work for recognition and respect, which we will continue to demand.

MVSTERMIND – Great ep

Speaking of putting in work, Mvstermind has been all over the place this month promoting his new ep Great. From listening sessions, to his album release party this weekend at Delmar Hall, Mvstermind is showing the qualities of a great artist. As his leading song suggest, “It’s just a matter of time” before we see what is in store for this young brother.

Great is the second ep released in a series that will comprise his full length project Be. Great. Fool with the third installment being released in 2022. Mvstermind latest projects features solid production from him, Owen Ragland and several others crafting a fun filled vibe. My favorite tracks on the ep include the lead single “Matter of Time’ featuring Jordan Ward and “12k”.

Reaceyung – Heart of Lou

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of talking with Reaceyung about his new project “Heart of Lou” that dropped today. Reaceyung was unapologetic in declaring his love for emceeing as he considers himself one of the top rappers in the game. Reaceyung prides himself on being apart of St. Louis culture as he defines his own sound.

In talking with Reace as he also goes by, I asked him about what people thought about St. Louis rappers skillset. Reaceyung replied, “It’s not that people from outside St. Louis don’t respect us, they just don’t know”. Hopefully for Reace, Heart of Lou sets the bar for emceeing.

Reaceyung’s latest project features a melodic arsenal blending sounds of that boombap and jazz influenced sound of the 90’s. The 17 track project clocks in around 50 minutes showcasing Reace lyrical skill set. Heart of Lou is Reaceyung doing what he does best, which is rapping and you can listen below.

Lute – Gold Mouf

DREAMVILLE’S LUTE RELEASES HIS DEBUT ALBUM GOLD MOUF

Lute is J Cole’s latest signee to his Dreamville label. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina Lute has been putting music out for a minute with his last release West 1996 Pt. 2 dropping in 2017. Lute looks poise to bring more stability to the label with his latest offering Gold Mouf.

This is Lute’s major label debut and features a slew of Dreamville’s roster along side guest features such as Little Brother, WESTSIDE BOOGIE, Saba, and BJ The Chicago Kid. Gold Mouf is a nice offering, and notable track you should check out is “Ged (Gettin Every Dollar)”, “Birdsong” featuring JID and Saba, and “Life”.

Don Toliver – Life of a Don

Don Tolliver is back with his latest project Life of A Don. This is the second release from the Houston native and follow up from his debut Heaven or Hell. The Life of A Don has guest features from Travis Scott, Baby Keem, and Kali Uchis. Notable songs you should listen to include “Flocky Flocky”, “OUTERSPACE”, and “Drug N Hella Melodies”.

Enforcer Fridays Playlist

Thanks for rocking with me this week. Do not forget to check out my playlist featuring my favorite songs from my picks of the week. Be safe and have a great weekend.

Elvin Chambers
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