“The Price Of Tea In China” earlier this year served as my introduction to Boldy James. Being fully produced by The Alchemist, it was a dynamic one. Boldy showed out over Alchemist’s beats as a gritty street artist with a significant gift for rhyming. He also demonstrated chemistry with the featured artists on that project which included Vince Staples, Freddie Gibbs and the Griselda boys.
So naturally, with that under his belt, I happily accepted the news that Boldy was joining the Griselda roster. I can’t think of anyone who makes more sense to include than him. Now here we are with Boldy’s official Griselda debut, “The Versace Tape”. Let’s dive in.
While a title like “The Versace Tape” is perfectly in line with Griselda’s established high-end aesthetic, it’s actually called that because it’s entirely produced by Jay Versace. Who took me by surprise earlier this year when he produced Westside Gunn’s aptly titled “Versace” on “Pray For Paris”. Boldy’s stoic delivery sharply contrasts the brash eccentricity of Gunn. So I was intrigued to hear what they would create together. While their chemistry isn’t as palpable as that of Boldy and The Alchemist, I can’t say I was disappointed with the beats on here.
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The only thing I really took notice of is that it seems like Jay Versace produces backdrops more than he does fully developed beats. Captivating backdrops, mind you. But perhaps at times lacking. Who knows, though? In a couple years that could become a staple of his production that I’ll come to love and expect from him. There are already plenty of moments where I love it now. Like the sultry, film noir atmosphere of the opener “Maria”.
Keeping with the film metaphor, I do have to compliment Jay on changing the scene from track to track, so to speak. This album never feels stagnant and of course part of that is that it’s only 25 minutes. But it travels a little bit over the course of that time. From the soulful sounds of “Brick Van Exel” that remind me of Anderson .Paak’s work with Knxwledge to the darker “Some Rap Songs”-esque “Cardinal Sin”. I know I’m doing a lot of comparing but I do think Jay is talented. I’m eager to see him develop his sound and work with different artists.
But this album’s most consistent asset is unquestionably Boldy James himself. No matter what he’s given, he makes it work and does so in top form. While this isn’t his best project, songs like “Cartier” and “Roxycontin” have some of his best verses to date. He’s got flow for days, rhyme schemes on top of rhyme schemes. I honestly think he’s right up near the top with Benny The Butcher in the Griselda roster in terms of sheer technicality. The more he puts out, the harder he’ll become to overlook.
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This isn’t a feature heavy record like “Price Of Tea” and I think that’s a good thing for a debut. Boldy is more than capable of holding down a full project and he proves it here. El Camino’s feature on “Cartier” starts off decent but it kinda fizzles out for me towards the end. I’m not crazy about his singing and it didn’t have any place on the song at all. On the other end, I always love hearing Westside Gunn and I actually wish he did more on “Roxycontin”. Keisha Plum’s appearance on that song was one of her better ones, too. Her cold nature and Boldy’s make sense on the same song.
Overall, “The Versace Tape” is a solid debut that doesn’t wear out it’s welcome. Boldy has earned his place in Griselda as a spitter and Jay Versace showcased his producing talents as well. I think they’re both headed for bright futures. If Armani Caesar’s upcoming project is as good as this, Griselda is gonna be an unstoppable force in the hip-hop scene. You could argue they already are. Their consistency makes a compelling point for it.
