Detroit hip-hop heavyweight Boldy James will celebrate the culmination of his new mixtape, Trapper’s Alley 2: Risk Vs. Reward (The Brictionary), with a record release party, Friday, hosted at Detroit’s underground rap-Mecca – The Shelter.
As a follow up to his 2011 release Trapper’s Alley: Pros & Cons, James’ new mixtape comes on the heels of his newly-signed record deal with rap-royalty Nas’ Mass Appeal record label, and his first full-length album, My 1st Chemistry Set (Oct. 2013), which was produced in its entirety by The Alchemist. Since his signing, James has spent countless hours recording new material at his studio in Ferndale.
The 32-year-old rapper first appeared on the scene with two features on the Cool Kids and Don Cannon’s 2009 mixtape Merry Christmas, contributing to both “BBQ Wings” and “Tires.” Cousin to producer and emcee Chick Inglish, James was asked to return, appearing on the Cool Kids’ 2010 release Tacklebox with a track titled “Gettin Flicked.”
Now, after releasing multiple mixtapes, his first full-length album and several well-received music videos (many directed by Detroit’s own Gerard Victor), the newly-signed hip hop ambassador has taken his act on the road, accompanying fellow-Detroiter Royce da 5’9″ and legendary producer DJ Premier as part of the duo’s PRhyme tour. (Their Michigan performance will take place on February 26, at Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig.)
Friday’s Trapper’s Alley 2 release will feature performances by Boldy James, Sino, Ro Spit, Willy J. Peso, Splash-A-Holics, Richy Marciano and Leek Hustle. Tickets are available online or at Saint Andrew’s Hall box office. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Listen to the album’s first single, “Bet That Up,” featuring Kevin Gates and Snootie Wild below: