2.16.2023

Video: J Stalin – “Basic” ft. Lyjah

The West Oakland OG Taps his Livewire Records Signee to Give the Streets a Litmus Test in Latest Video from Prenuptial Agreement 2

Critical Praise:

“Vibrant and exploding with personality, J. Stalin is a knowing, mischievous wise-ass whose charisma hangs between unapologetic cockiness and the ability to cut through rap’s fantasy-addled drug fetishism and provide sobering reality.” – Pitchfork

“One of Oakland’s illest MCs” – XXL

“As the owner of Livewire Records, West Oakland rapper J Stalin provides a place for the growth of incredibly creative, meat-and-potatoes Bay Area hip-hop. The label hosts gritty rubbery street music that navigates crack dealing devastation and grounded partying tracks with equal aplomb, with artists that range from Stalin himself to MCs like Shady Nate and Philthy Rich among others.” – SPIN

“This is what Stalin does: he takes things–sounds, human beings, grocery stores–and warps them into something extraterrestrial. It’s eerie, but you’re dancing anyway.” – Passion of the Weiss

The Video:

J. Stalin solidified his legacy in the Bay Area with a sense of individuality that permeates every move. Teaming with Lyjah, his frequent collaborator and Livewire Records signee, Stalin returns to re-establish his high standards with his new video for “Basic.” The highlight track from his recent project, Prenuptial Agreement 2, finds Stalin searching for a high-class lover worthy of a high-caliber hustler like himself: “Movin, n**** I’m in motion/Hundred bands on me, baby I don’t need no lotion.”

The video for “Basic,” which quickly follows clips for project highlights “To Do List” and “Backwoods,” finds Stalin and Lyjah cruising around the city “minding their spaceships,” which come in the form of Audi convertibles and charged-up Challengers. Looking over their shoulders as they circle corners before linking back up to conduct business in an abandoned lot, Stalin and Lyjah exemplify the balance it takes to rise above the basics before it gets too acidic.

“Basic” is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin’s new album. The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a regional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers’ anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from Mob Music architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida’s Jackboy and Stockton’s EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.

J. Stalin is celebrating the success of Prenuptial Agreement 2 with the Livewire Reunion Tour, hitting cities across the West Coast. The tour reunites the original Livewire Records crew, including Bay Area royalty Philthy Rich and Lil Blood. The Livewire Reunion Tour hits Club Insomnia in Oakland on May 19th and May 20th. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.

Watch “Basic” ft. Lyjah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYc_4Ztm29Y

Stream Prenuptial Agreement 2: https://music.empi.re/prenuptialagreement2

Buy tickets HERE for the Livewire Reunion Tour, featuring J Stalin, Philthy Rich, and Lil Blood

Prenuptial Agreement 2 tracklist: