Redefining mind, body, and soul in the hip-hop realm!
This empowered group is pushing the limit in the rap game. Their immaculate debut album “APT 505” shows how deep that ambition goes.
Written by : Garfield
Within the black culture, African-American fraternities are revered as brotherhoods of strong minded individuals with a mission to change the world around them. Their bonds are built through trials and tribulations with success measured in blood and tears. What Eric Jamal, Rio Loz, and brothers Taj and Ras Austin have created with Coast Contra are the rapping embodiment of those ideas. A bold group of artists with a hunger for something more everlasting than glory — purpose. Their highly acclaimed debut “APT 505” gives a glimpse of how the collective operates at a higher plane.
Recently in hip-hop, the bar for rap groups in particular has been set pretty high. It requires versatile performers, able to bend the rules of the genre. The ability to paint a picture is key. Coast Contra are born storytellers. “Know there’s a disconnect when the sheep start to leave the shepherd / The weak start to be aggressive, the streets start to be the reverend. Bragging ‘bout first class, seated on 9/11 / They spirits are not united. Allegiant, my soul forever.” On the track “505” the group gives the listener a sense of direction. This is an uprising of substance over material. It was true when Nas said we are out for presidents to represent us, but your word is not bond unless you can keep your integrity intact while doing so. To put it simply, Coast Contra demonstrates the importance of keeping a set of principles in all phases of the process.
Listen to their debut album “APT 505” on all major platforms, including their self-titled movie single “Queen and Slim” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid. Don’t forget to stop by their Youtube for extra content, fire freestyles, and their short documentary “Coast Contra – “True Story: Apt. 505” Documentary Sizzle” which breaks down the journey of these four unique young men.