After multiple listens, Samson, holds itself as one of the most mindful and authentic bodies of work to come out of Phoenix. Over ten powerful tracks Jalopy Bungus ties the story of Samson into the content of his mind along with perspectives he portrays of those around him. That’s one of the most prolific aspects of the project itself. Jalopy’s storytelling abilities, especially telling them from the point of view of those who don’t have a voice. Putting his mind into other people’s shoes in a substantial way. Music with a message that is also sonically elegant is the definition of Samson.
No Promises / Samson (Prod. Crust + UziEdwards)
Crust and UziEdwards set the tone with menacing production. I had a feeling this would be the first track. Keeping the visual in mind helps to understand the reasoning. The beat switch is pristine, the skit of Samson’s prophecy is spoken lightly in the background. The beat switches to a more fast pace, Jalopy compares himself to Samson and Malcolm. He’s in a hierarchal mindset, the rhymes reflect this.
No Food February (30 Philistines ) (Prod. UziEdwards)
Samson struck down the 30 philistines, Jalopy comes to strike down a few philistines in particular. First he makes it known he’s been selling out these shows and putting on for the west side of Phoenix. That’s nothing new. He comes straight at a top-tier wack rapper, if you even want to call him a rapper, Futuristic. “How you the face of my state? We don’t respect you n**** / Culture vultures every level this ain’t new or different / I seen this before a lot of this futuristic”. He says what we’ve all been thinking, nobody understands how he made it so far, HE’S TRASH. How do you represent Arizona but do nothing to help Arizona artists?
2 N****Z (Feat. Yung Checo & SD Uchies) (Prod. UziEdwards)
A mellow boom-bap beat for these three emcees to slide over. It’s another one from UziEdwards, he’s already made a statement barely three tracks in. Continuing to represent for the west side, a smooth anthem to everyone who’s got to get it how they live. The first collaboration of the project comes strong. Yung Checo and SD Uchies hold their own on this one.
I, Me Myself (Delilah) (Prod. VerbBoutThat)
VerbBoutThat slows it down for track four with R&B style production. Jalopy gives a look into his view of love. How he distances himself from most. He’s got to test everybody before giving them any affection. Due to a past of mistrust he rides alone. He’s sick of females only coming at him cause the hype over his music. Closing with another reading in relation to Samson’s story.
Cut the Rope! (Feat. Emmitt Dupree) (Prod. Sk8zen)
An illustrious piano loop is played as Emmitt Dupree’s spectacular vocals phase in. Accompanying snaps and a drum kick follows, Sk8zen creates an elaborate balance. Each sound blends impeccably together as Jalopy repeats “My head on fire, my toes on ice / My soul on heavy, I should know better”. He gets straight into reminiscing on prior suicidal thoughts asking himself what he’d do if that was his own son thinking like that. The hardships of his neighborhood are spoken on, the deception of the devil is always present. He speaks on a number of addictions, finally with his. Procrastinating suicide.
Procrastinating Suicide (Feat. Dali) (Prod. Omar The Producer)
The theme of the last cut is followed more in depth. A direct look into his thoughts over a mellow, hypnotizing beat. He never would commit suicide but considers how he could. The thoughts overwhelm his head, the image of the dead never leaves. Dali brings beautiful vocals and an abstract style to the table. Switching from singing to a spoken word poetic effect. Shifting into Jalopy’s next verse with the vocals humming in the background. He speaks over the reasoning for these thought in the first place. Traumatized from all of the experiences and anguish around him. Another reading of Samson closes the song.
Vocal Chords of a Broken Woman (Prod. VerbBoutThat)
VerbBoutThat again with some incredibly soulful production. Jalopy looks from the other side of the spectrum. With heartfelt vocals from Deliyone to add to the sound. Hardships from a woman’s perspective, there are a lot of them. Telling a story of unthinkable pain and suffering. She gets molested by a preacher with nowhere to run to, nobody to tell who will believe it. Jalopy has held nothing back this album so far and shining a light on a topic that is held in the dark is necessary. Finishing the track as he stands up for every woman.
Poor Babies (Feat. Syrin) (Prod. Sk8zen)
Touching on how the world tries to make him feel as if he’s insane. Lost faith and lost mind is what will help you grow. His mental stability is not to be seen as crazy, he’s just misunderstood. He continues to learn how to become at peace with his mind and look after himself. A look of hope is left at the end.
Latarian Milton (The Pillars) (Prod. Charley Brown)
His struggles are brought full circle with the struggles of all black men in this country. The world around him made him hate himself. What has been taught to him has told him nothing but that this country doesn’t care for him. For anybody of color around him, “The cops don’t protect us / President neglect us”. Teaching that this is still the fact to this day, the fallacy of change for those in his position must be exposed. The entire reading of Samson taking the pillars down killing all the Philistines with him is read in closing. His parallel to Samson over the course of the project is executed tremendously from start to finish.
Y.E.P (Yung Educated Pimp) (Feat. Splash Fuego) (Prod. UziEdwards)
Even in his tee, shorts, and slippers he’s still fresh as if he’s in a Versace suit. An uplifting beat ties in with the mood of Jalopy and Splash. The confidence and positive outlook is felt through out this one. After songs filled with pain and sorrow embodied the project. This ends it with a glimpse of hope, more like a stern stare into the future. He knows he has better days on the way and he’ll keep being the best he can until then.
