Across The Tracks
Boldy James and Conductor Williams dropped Across The Tracks, and I was pretty hyped for it. It's not my first time hearing either of them—I've recently listened to The Price of Tea in China after Max reviewed it. His stuff is this super cool blend of chamber jazz and conscious hip hop. I’ve also heard CONDUCTOR MACHINE from Williams, and of course, his work with Westside Gunn, which I’m always into. So yeah, my expectations were already up there. I was hoping for Conductor's signature laid-back, jazzy production, paired with Boldy’s sharp flows and vivid storytelling.
This album definitely delivers. Conductor brings his usual chill, jazzy vibes, and Boldy’s calm but lyrical flow just rides the beats perfectly. One of the standout things for me is Conductor’s production—he’s a master at flipping obscure samples into something that sounds fresh but familiar. The way Boldy complements these beats is really what makes this album click. It’s a short listen, too—only 26 minutes—but honestly, that works in its favor. No filler tracks, just straight bangers. The singles “Terms and Conditions” and “Offwhite Lumberjack” give you a good idea of the album’s overall vibe, with Boldy’s bars and Conductor’s beats on full display.
The other tracks don’t disappoint either. The beats hit, the flows are tight, and the lyrics are top-notch. While Boldy’s solid throughout, I think Conductor’s production really ties everything together. Boldy’s been one of the best in the game for a while now, and this album just cements that. The features are cool, but it’s clear this is Boldy’s show from start to finish.
I’m a fan, no doubt. The combo of beats, flow, and lyrics just works. Boldy and Conductor have great chemistry, and I’m hoping they team up again soon. Across The Tracks proves that even after all these years, they’re still making top-tier hip hop. Easily one of the best projects of the year.
BOLDY JAMES & CONDUCTOR WILLIAMS - ACROSS THE TRACKS
RATING - 8.8/10
FAVORITE TRACKS - ALL
GENRE - Hip-Hop, Rap, Soul, Soul Sample, Jazz-Hop