If you aren’t familiar yet with Detroit’s Valid and Stretch Money, now is high time to get hip. The duo of Motor City heavyweights have been on quite a run going into 2023, releasing their well-received single “Sentimental”, and now following it up with the raw, lyrical hip-hop scorcher “Commentate”. It’s a track that grabs you at first listen, full of dazzling wordplay from the two emcees, underscored by vivid yet hard-hitting production from Slot-A and DJ Head.
As adrenaline-fuelled synth layers build enticingly, a powerful rhythm section locks in beneath, creating a surge of sonic energy while also leaving space for the two rappers to express their sharpest flows. With gymnastic rhyme patterns, they trade verses that exhibit their chemistry as a duo, dropping line after line packed with lyrical ferocity. Cleverly including clips from basketball commentating to enhance the track’s themes, “Commentate” is an example of when artists can bring together each element to work towards a cohesive whole.
Released ahead of the duo’s upcoming album Bill & Isiah, due April 14, “Commentate” makes for a fiery joint that stokes the excitement for the LP. Give it a listen below and connect with Valid and Stretch Money.
The duo have also released an engaging new visualizer. Check it out here:
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