Premiere: Zilla f/ Jackie Chain "Woodgrain"

The Huntsville rappers update some classic themes.

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Diamonds and  wood grain steering wheels: There are few topics that channel classic Southern hip-hop more than those. But while the spirit is old school, the mindset of the latest song from Huntsville rappers Zilla and Jackie Chain is very much focused on right now—specifically on continuing to stake out the Alabama city as a bit of a hip-hop hub in its own right. "We makin' 'Bama look good," Zilla raps here, in case that goal isn't clear enough.

After releasing the Book of Trill EP and Bruce Lean Chronicles 2, respectively, Zilla and Jackie are each gearing up to share new projects in 2014, with the third installment of Zilla's Zilla Shit series coming this spring.

"Woodgrain," off of that project, pairs the rappers up over a stunning beat from Heartbeatz full of chiming synths, operatic swoops of reverb and squelching drums that sounds like theme music for a luxury spaceship. The pitched down hook feels classic, but Jackie keeps things modern, talking about his lady friends and adding that he's "pimpin' off my iPad and I'm trappin' off my cellular." Zilla's rich accent luxuriates in each word choice, particularly on lines like "Ain't no way that they stopping me/Man I do it so properly."

Stream "Woodgrain" below and head here for a free download.

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