Slim’s Pickings 2022 Pt. 2

Following on from last week’s continued roundup of some of my favourite releases from 2022, I’m back with what I thought was going to be my final selection. The original plan was to cover 30 EPs and albums, but as time has gone on my mind has decided to trigger more musical memories from the year. Add to that the fact that the last breaths of 2022 brought us a few more releases and I realise now that I could easily do a top 40 (shout out to 80’s Sunday evenings on Radio One). So without further ado, here are my next ten choices, and as usual they arrive in no particular order beyond the sequence my memory brought them to the surface. The third and final instalment will follow shortly.

Pink Siifu & Real Bad Man ft. Boldy James: Looking For Water

How do you keep it so smooth and rugged on the same track? The answer lies within this new team up between Pink Siifu and Boldy James, as they bring their respective flavours to some typically strong production from Read Bad Man. Looking For Water is available to stream now at all the usual spots.

Boldy James & The Alchemist: Drug Zone

More refined ruggedness from Boldy James and The Alchemist, as they deliver a bonus cut from their forthcoming Bo Jackson LP. The video was made by Alibey Topal.

Boldy James & The Alchemist: First 48 Freestyle

Boldy James and Alchemist reunite, following on from the triumphs that surrounded last year’s The Price of Tea in China. First 48 Freestyle is the lead single from their forthcoming project, Bo Jackson, and features Boldy rapping for a solid three minutes with no hook. It’s a beautiful thing.

The Alchemist ft. Sideshow & Boldy James: TV Dinners

Another gem from the recent Alchemist EP has been given the visual treatment, this time featuring regular collaborator, Boldy James, and a nice appearance from Sideshow. It’s lifted from This Thing Of Ours, which is out now on ALC Records.

Boldy James ft. Vince Staples: Surf & Turf

Another week, another cold cut from Boldy James and Alchemist, as they deliver the latest video from their recent album. This time round, the Detroit native is joined by one-time Odd Future affiliate, Vince Staples, and they’re accompanied by a tight video from Lonewolf. The Price Of Tea In China is out now.

Boldy James ft. Benny The Butcher: Scrape The Bowl

Boldy James recently released his latest collaboration with Alchemist and it is arguably their strongest union to date. Scrape The Bowl is the latest track to be lifted from the album and features Griselda favourite, Benny The Butcher. The Price Of Tea In China is out now on all the usual platforms.

Boldy James: Ill Advised / Method To My Madness + EP Stream

Boldy James returns with a new EP, as he joins forces with his favoured producer, Alchemist, once again. Earlier this week the pair dropped off a double video from the EP and today we get to explore the full release. If you’re familiar with Boldy, then you know the MO – coke raps and street tales, with a laid-back delivery. Alchemist’s beats are on point and seem to land better than they did on the recent EP he released with Action Bronson. You can watch the video for Ill Advised and Method To My Madness above, and you can stream the EP below.

Boldy James: Maserati Rick

Another great video from Boldy James, as he continues to tempt us with slivers of his forthcoming House of Blues album. Maserati Rick tells the story of one of the biggest crack dealers to ever emerge in Detroit. Pre-orders for the album are available here.

Boldy James ft. Eddie Stubbles, Redi Rock & Tommy Gunz: Skantless

Detroit’s Boldy James is back with a new video, for a track lifted from his latest EP. The EP is being billed as most personal material yet and deals with his hiatus away from the mic, following his 2015 album release. The Art of Rock Climbing EP is out now.