Back like LeBron
Stalley has been signed to MMG, Rick Ross’ successful Atlantic Records label imprint, for 4 years, and has enjoyed a mildly successful run. Despite not putting out an album–a feat that his labelmates Wale and Meek Mill achieved in 2 years or less–the Ohio native has remained popular thanks to appearances on MMG’ Self Made albums, a buzzing single of his own–his 2013 collaboration with Scarface, “Swangin'”–and an opening spot on Lupe Fiasco‘s Tetsuo & Youth tour, among other things.
Rick Ross has spent the majority of the past fortnight promising a Stalley debut album in 2014, so he couldn’t have chosen a better time to release his new single, “Ball”, produced by Rashad, the producer with hom Stalley has crafted a large majority of his best work (Lincoln Way Nights). Ball has all the makings of a radio record, but retains some of that Midwestern “swang” and tranquility that separates records like “Ball” and “Swangin'” from some of the more popular trap/drill records. Stalley also does a deft job at making sports references (“When I come back like LeBron, wearing the 23”), without coming off as corny, which, in 2014, is still a major problem. Listen and enjoy, and watch out for more news on Stalley’s long-awaited debut album in the coming weeks.
