If you don't care about lyrics, hit that back button on whatever browser you're using, because you might actually be looking for this. If you're down to hear two lyricists spitting bars over a good old fashioned boom-bap, sample based beat courtesy of main performer Nolan The Ninja, stick around for "Calisthenics." The Detroit rapper, who has been grinding on the local circuit for a minute now, has managed to secure a feature from one of the game's best rappers out, period. Royce Da 5'9" has long been known to body beats of this nature (or any beat, really), and any rapper bold enough to go head to head with Ryan better bring out their A-Game.
Thankfully, Nolan proves up for the challenge, and opens up the track with a dexterous and high-energy performance. "Went from being shit to motherfuckers knowing my name," raps Nolan, at the onset of his minute-and-thirty-second long verse. Don't expect any hooks on this shit. After he wraps up his soliloquy, he passes the mic to Royce, who is in full-on beast mode. The thing is, he makes it look effortless, as he barely shows any sign of exertion. The imagery he paints is brilliantly hilarious, and the way he strings together words and bends language is simply ridiculous. At this point, it's just warm-ups for Royce, who has been keeping us waiting for that Book Of Ryan tape for too long now.
If you're down with this raw Detroit sound, be sure to keep an eye out for Nolan The Ninja's upcoming album YEN, which is set to drop on September 22nd. The tape also features previously released singles "14K" and "Modesty," along with "Calisthenics." Nolan's name is still buzzing, so support could go a long way. Plus, shout out to Nolan for rocking the Canadiens jersey in his Twitter pic.
Quotable Lyrics
Delegate with shell and flames
Mac 11 wrapped in black and yella tape in cellophane
Selling caine, this Heckler and Koch is so well endowed
You should tell the cops that it's immaculate it would actually still look masculine
If I dropped it on Ellen's crotch in the park
