The Town's rap trio Barbaydose ascends with their latest release, "Grizzly Peak," literally and figuratively. Crowned with a keen sense of lyricism and raw energy, the pace-setting unit set sparks earlier this year with the visual and aural assault 'I See Lightning'. Now, they change the mood with something a little more introspective, though no less powerful.
Dripping with West Coast ease, the track rolls on an easygoing groove that tilts toward hip-hop's golden age without getting trapped in it. There are memories threaded throughout the production, but Barbaydose doesn't stay stuck in the past; instead, it builds upon them. The "Grizzly Peak" video embodies the spirit of the track, with smoke blowing against the silhouette of the Oakland skyline, creating a sense of space in which to breathe, reflect, and ascend. It's that setting where verses can breathe and thoughts run deep.
With guest artists Cam Moss and Philip Bank$ in tow, the vocals here coast with effortless charisma. Every artist contributes a shade of their own into the tapestry; it never differs, complements. What truly distinguishes this track from the din, however, is the word-smithing. The lyrics are intelligent in that subtle way, so carefully crafted that they reward multiple listens. You notice something new every time, some clever turn of phrase, some hidden reference, some wink hidden between the words.
Though "Grizzly Peak" may seem lazy, please don't read too much into its slowness. Every feature has a purpose here, from the rhythm to the features, the beat to the breeze whizzing in the background. Barbaydose is proving that they're more than spitters, but they're storytellers, curators of space, and scholars of this culture. On this track, they've shown that sometimes the loudest message comes in a quiet voice. Grizzly Peak isn't interested in blowing out your speakers; it's gunning for your soul.
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