Banco Ray - Ball Outta Control (Album)

As the one with the tea would say, Tami, if you don’t know, this is that good ol’ top-down music, sure to satiate fans who’ve been patiently waiting for this debut. Immediately, he’s coming through, swanging on “R.I.P. Fat Pat,” so much homage to not only his idols but his people back home. It’s been a long time coming & he’s basking in the fruits of his labor, lending his radiance to even the darkest of spaces. These tracks are a celebration; success never tasted so sweet, but he hasn’t changed a little bit from who he’s always been, but he’s still evolving, shedding away the former while embracing the further.

This production is daunting & he’s spitting with the utmost confidence, poking his chest out & standing on ten toes. He has “Moet By The Case,” & he’s not going to let anybody interfere with it continuing to be distributed to him. He’ll smash the bottle over your head before he enables you to play with his; Joey Freco matches this energy perfectly. His more monotone menace as he meticulously lays out his game plan is so mean & Banco is always on the go. Swerving through “Comal Ave,” thanking God for this moment in time, he’s beyond grateful on “China K Freestyle,” enjoying life as it is, not much left to complain about, not that he’s ever been one to do so, he just went out & got it, by all means necessary.

All of this production is the perfect blend of the sounds of the West Coast & Texas sound. It’s so beautiful to see two Texas mainstays vow to do this until they tap out on “Pass Out,” like they both peacefully drove towards an even path. Probably the most meditating on this record, Banco’s conversational flow & Hoodlum’s scratchy whispers are the perfect combination & no matter what, they always got that “New Thang” on them & that can be anything really, but whatever it is. Just know that it’s always brand new; he’s just here to “Keep It P” & reign down on you with that “Belaire Gold,” those messages at the end make it all the more poignant. He’s endured a lot of trial & error to get here & he still has a ways to go, forever on that inclination & he ain’t slowing his drive anytime soon, so throw on that “C63”, roll down the top, or your windows & embrace the breeze, Long Live Ace!