Scarborough rapper Jimmy B is ready to follow-up his 2013 debut L.O.R.D.S. with an ambitious homage to his roots.
On the brand new EP Prince Of The ‘Borough: Ch. 1 - The BRiCKZ, the 24-year-old emcee sounds fired up. Producers Tay Lewis, RGC, M Mac, and Omari Jabari queue up a mixture of twisted sample flips, heavy 808s, and glitchy synths, ensuring Jimmy B’s energy levels stay maxed out from start to finish. Add lyrical nods to Jimmy’s Smash Mouth Crew Gang compatriots (DillanPonders, Flex The Antihero, SeT, and TheBass6) to the mix, and this is as much a family affair as it is an ode to Scarborough.
The EP is host to aggressive hooks, infinite swagger, and impressively, a sonic through line that keeps the listener hooked as Jimmy B’s story unfolds. On Prince Of The ‘Borough, iPhone Voice Memos act as field recordings, chronicling eastern TTC stops (“Kennedy Station”), malt liquor-themed inquiries (“Olde English”), and dropped calls (“Blakkk Hoodiez & Timz”). From front to back, this EP is a documentary, a day in the life.
“The vision behind Prince Of The 'Borough was to give an insight on Scarborough from my perspective,” Jimmy B told Complex. “I want to bring to light my upbringing and surroundings so people can get a better sense of how Scarborough has shaped the individual I am.”
According to Jimmy B, this EP is only the first piece of the puzzle. “It’s titled ‘Chapter 1’ because this is the first part of the story, an introduction to my side of town,” he offers. “Prince Of The 'Borough signifies becoming the voice of the people. It represents our life and experiences in a way that no one else can. It will forever be an East Side ting, Scarborough stand up.”
Stream Jimmy B’s new EP Prince Of The ‘Borough: Ch. 1 - The BRiCKZ below.
