After an encumbering long-term deal with Maybach Music Group, Stalley, the Ohio rapper, is fresh off a four-tape stretch after giving us the Tell the Truth: Shame the Devil series. All released under his newly found home-of-artistry, the independent group Blue Collar Gang. Now, Stalley has returned with a new studio album.
His newest release, Reflection of Self: A Head Trip, as the title indicates, means to take a step back and look at the mistakes you may have made and how they have kept you from growth. This album might not be for your run-of-the-mill mainstream listener, but if they’re a fan of an underdog who has morals both inside and outside the booth, then they will appreciate this album.
As an artist who’s known for being humble, much like our lost brother Nipsey Hussle, Stalley stays on point with tracks like “Head Trip”, the opening record is a tribute to his old self as well as those we have lost. You can hear the honor and reverence in his music, all for his native people. There is no secret that Stalley is a man of God as he openly praises Allah on this record.
This album is revolutionary if you deeply dive into it and it’s concepts, following the message being told, especially with the extra elements trickled throughout the album. All nine tracks are produced by California native Jansport J of Nature Sounds, with his help you can feel the gritty 1970’s vibe throughout the album as sounds of revolutionaries speaking are played at the ends of the interludes. At the album’s “Innermission” you are given a few minutes to reflection the words of the interludes and what has been said at the end of “Bad Ass Kidz”. Although the numerous interludes sometime overtake from the progression of the album, the delivery and the way the album flows is what makes the album truly great.
This record has not seen much recognition and the reasoning is it does not bark-out at new listeners. Stalley is not trying to get any new fans. From the interviews prior to the album release the independent rapper says “This is an album for his most loyal fans.” He seems content not making any new fans, but continuing to progress in the game as-is.
With lines like “Knuckles bleeding from all the fighting, worth every blow, once we see those we’ve enlightened” in “All So New”, you can tell he is rapping for the fans that have been listening since his first release, 2008’s Goin’ Ape. He also talks about his spiritual path and what have taken him off his road in the past decade versus how he is now focused. With storytelling tracks like “Bad Ass Kidz” you get a feel of community and spiritual growth. The personal progression on the record as well as his previous efforts stand alone as a classic trademark of his. I can honestly tell you the grooviest cuts are “A Main” and “Hold It Up”, you will not find any club bangers on this record and that’s great. You don’t want to hear Stalley talking braggadocios on a rap album, you want to hear how he has evolved.
Although many are led to believe this record holds no room for newer fans to join in on the journey, that is definitely not the case. You can pick up this record at any time of your life and go along with Stalley and his Reflection of Self. From “real street n*ggaz” to daycare teachers, anyone can rock out to this record. This album is a chance for everyone to reflect on themselves, not just a tape for Stalley or his fans, but for everyone. Reflection of Self is worth the purchase, it’s worth the listen and I feel like it should be looked as one of the Best Rap Albums of The Decade. We often overlook some of the best albums and this for sure is one of them! 4.5/5
View our gallery of Stalley’s performance at The State House Dec. 13, 2019 photographed by Terrance Olmeda of Alpha Olmeda Photography
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