The project commences with “Hunnit Times,” a hard-hitting piece with a haunting soundscape and thumping drums that will have your car speakers rattling. A1 Beanz is not one for small talk and hits the ground running with a heavy dose of gritty reality, with bars like “Oh, you mister, big bad and bold/Boy don’t you know that all these tough guys never grow old/Don’t you know in grade school, I had a six digit code /For free food I’m eating this cuz we ain’t have it at home”

“Kick in your door” has a mystic-sounding flute and a militant drum groove that is a few tempos higher than the previous track. Here, the rapper embodies the spirit of “by any means necessary” and knocks down doors to achieve his goals. The first collaboration appears on “Couldawoulda,” featuring fellow rappers Ray Riley and Sham Black, and it’s a verbal onslaught from there. Featuring a dark, scenic backdrop, the trio chooses violence on weaker emcees who try to step in their direction. The verses are threaded by various vocal samples, including the viral “I want problems always” clip. “Royalty Checks” is a piano-laced boombap banger with jazz elements, which adds a different vibe to what we have heard before. Here, A1 Beanz adapts his flow to the beat, demonstrating versatility while maintaining his grit. “(12) Gauge big as a barbell, Im finna go weightlift/ I’m finna go ape shit/From ghetto to gracious/So if money ain’t involved, how we making it make sense?”

The project continues to swing with heavy verbal artillery and scenic motifs that transport listeners to a different timeline with nostalgic vibes. “Hit me no more” is reminiscent of the 2000s with its distorted bassline, crunchy drums and moody textures. I will confess it evokes a similar feel to “Couldawoulda,” albeit with a heavier bassline. Lyrically, A1 Beanz remains on point, giving listeners insight into his life and more. He has a knack for writing vivid street tales with an edgy vibe that transports listeners right into the action. “I gotta Rob” finds the rapper prowling the streets looking for unsuspecting foes who will mostly get blindsided. Here, A1 Beanz uses a melodic chorus to drive home his point. At the end of the day, no one is safe.

The final track “Never Stop” samples a classic soul track (Donny Hathaway to be precise) and features J ox, and Darren Elijah. Here, the emcees share their perspectives on self-belief and the relentless grind toward success. Beanz leads the track with “I just say what it is, and lately I have been checking off goals on my list/I used to wanna have a couple rolls for the wrist/Small ?? to a giant, I wanna own the abyss.” but J ox and Elijah are not too far off and equally deliver solid takes.

Once again, A1 Beanz delivers as expected. He doesn’t have the time or energy to pander to outsiders with this tailor-made project for those who are attuned to reality.

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