Jamla is the Squad, a project hosted by Statik Selektah, has birthed a collaboration track titled “No Competition,” featuring Talib Kweli, Detroit’s Elzhi and Phonte, which has surfaced before the project’s January 28 official release date.
Jamla Squad producer Krysis provides the musical arena for this chorus-less showcase of talent. The track begins with Talib Kweli’s lyrical offerings, but naturally transitions to Slum Village veteran Elzhi for a dose of Detroit rhythms.
“You’ve been hoaxed, tell your kin folks,
I give beats heart attacks: Pin Strokes,
Slam boys with pencils,
Turn anthems to lullabies,
and lobotomize instrumentals.”
Elzhi’s flow is unmistakable. His lyrical contributions are powerful, descriptive and more than clever – they’re thought-provoking. “No Competition” is an instantly classic track, but still not nearly enough to tie Detroit hip hop fans over.
Elzhi’s upcoming album, which raised more than $35,000 towards a $25,000-goal Kickstarter campaign, is scheduled for release in April of 2014 via the emcee’s Glow365 label. This will be the emcee’s first release following 2011’s highly-acclaimed Elmatic mixtape.