(100 Bats)

For the album cover alone, I had no doubt this was going to be a  dope album. Guess what? I was right! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the latest 2024 release by Ricky Bats. This is 10 tracks with a 32-minute run time. This is also another release completely produced by Fredro Star! (Yes, I know I’ve been binging his work as of late), but with someone who has evolved as strong as he has, it’s impossible not to!

Across this album, Fredro brings a strong underground loop-based boom bap vibe to the forefront! Whether we are talking about tracks like ‘How Real Is That’ with that female voice vocal loop over the skeletal, raw beat! Or on the track ‘Bats Man’ which starts with a dope voice saying ‘Gotham City’, but regardless, it has this theatrical, classical strings lightly in the background over this interesting, fast-paced drum pattern coming on and off the beat. 

My point being, across this one, he’s experimenting once again with new sounds, new formulas, and trying out production he’s not exactly famous for, and that’s why I love the journey Fredro has been on the past few years! 

Now, on to Ricky Bats. A newcomer for me who

I’ve only heard on various features but never in a full-length LP. I have to say I love this guy’s vibe and energy! He has a similar cadence to the likes of Snotty. A real street-smart aura combined with cut-throat wordplay, flow, and penmanship. He utilises every beat fantastically and makes them his own!

The way he weaves his words is flawless. He knows exactly when and where to bend words, use puns, place his bars, and it all comes together so effortlessly that it’s infectious! Across this project, he features 

-Brigavelli

-Scrip Scott

-Rhoody

And alongside this trio, they all work to maintain this raw, savage atmosphere across the beats and make one of the most cold-blooded drops of 2024!

The Verdict? Unbelievable drop! The production score is surreal, the performances immaculate, and the features banging! Definitely a must-check out! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/30oHZmtJgDmqvMlpygArM0?si=ia2KQNrqQo-oI0v91nTZ3Q