From the onset,  G Bae Bae cuts right to the chase with “W Ferry & Grant,” a cinematic piece that details the dark side of his stomping grounds. Armed with his high-pitched, melody-tinged flow and expressive story-telling, he takes audiences on a spine-chilling ride deep into his hood where any wrong move could lead to fatal consequences. Lines like “‘Play in the mud, getting ugly, Taste in your gums getting bloody/Games bittersweet like that mustard was honey”  underscore the tension in the air and give audiences a raw unfiltered perspective. The story continues on “14th & Rhode Island,” this time G Bae Bae opts for a more social-political theme, exploring the financial disenfranchisement widespread in his hood and the never-ending struggles to stay afloat. On the Yanna Bvnkz assisted “Herkimer & Auburn,” both artists deliver a vivid description of what takes place in their hood with unfiltered and off-kilter bars over a dark and moody soundscape.

G Bae Bae has a knack for penning engaging stories and using a wide variety of styles ranging from modern downtempo trap drums to classic boom-bap vibes. On tracks like“Dolla Bill,” he recruits DvZ to deliver an aspirational track centred around securing the bag. It has a soulful and reflective vibe and a smooth melodic chorus that underscores the need to hustle hard while “Potomac & Baynes” is a hard-hitting posse cut that brings together emcees Jewk the Philosopher, DvZ, and Lav. The result is a no-holds-barred lyrical display from all emcees who bring their distinct vibes to the track. However, he goes into the introspective storytelling mode on “Bill’s Corner” which is bolstered by a solemn backdrop. “West Side Pt. II” teams G Bae Bae and fellow rapper Aj Spliff, who both give their perspective on the stomping grounds the track is named after.  “7th & Pennsylvania”  once again showcases G Bae Bae’s fast-paced flow and extensive lyrical display and storytelling. He can convey his thoughts with emotions and throws in a melodic hook to up the ante. Joining him is Jewk the Philosopher who adds his thoughts on the second verse. “Busti & Hudson” is as cinematic as they come and is anchored on yet another engaging story that details life in his hood and the ups and downs of the never-ending trials. The final track “Still Cryin’ (Bonus Track)” features  GSP Gass and is a bravado-laden piece that is ripe with unapologetic raps over a pensive soundscape.

Other notable tracks include the bouncy summer-tinged and reflective “Fargo & Hampshire,” the dark “C.O.P.S (Corner Of Putnam Street)” which dives into the unpredictable and tragic events involving overzealous cops and residents and “Lawrence & Mass” where G Bae Bae reconciles the events that reshaped his worldview with finding his true purpose. Overall Pretty Fly (For The West Side), is cohesive and entertaining from start to finish. The beats vary and for the most part, evoke that raw gritty Buffalo hip-hop vibe but also a touch of modern dark trap with expressive melodies.  G Bae Bae’s storytelling is vivid and his unorthodox flow is distinct and unique as well.