Although it’s impossible for me to stay up to date with each and every single that’s hot in the different regions of the country, I try my very best to tap in whenever I’m put on to the latest and greatest song, even if it hasn’t migrated to Chicago quite yet. When it comes to the West Coast, I find myself so deeply invested in the music scene and culture out there that it almost feels like a second home to me, despite the fact that I’ve never actually had the pleasure of being out West.
Although I’m a few months late to this one, when the homie hit me up and just randomly sent me a link to Lil Duece’s song “Outside (Tiny Yung Freestyle)” saying that it was the hottest street record in LA at the moment, I couldn’t help but check it out as soon as I had the chance. After tuning in, though, it’s abundantly obvious why it’s such a popular song because although it incorporates that trademark West Coast bounce that a lot of that region’s music possesses, it is so much more laid back and smooth, making it as individualistic as it is an absolute heater.
When it comes to the beat, we’re introduced to a buttery, jazzy saxophone riff that is met by some claps and rattling hats that play out for about half of the track before we’re introduced to a springy, energetic drum that truly ties everything together. Lil Duece is clearly the right man for the job on this instrumental because although he might not be as energetic as some of his other California counterparts, he just has this natural, effortless swag behind his delivery that combines with the production in the most unforced way I’ve probably ever heard. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, there are moments where his enthusiasm begins to ramp up, but he almost seems to catch himself in the act and slow himself down, never really getting too overly animated throughout this remarkable track’s duration.
Lil Duece might be just getting his start in music right now, at least when it comes to amassing a following, but if anything my friend said is true (which it always is), Duece is going to be nationally renowned before he even has a chance to catch his breath after the success of this record. Alongside the track comes an awesome Lil Nate-directed visual that’s in all black and white which almost gives it a retro-inspired detective feel that combines with the beat perfectly, but I’ll let you check that out on your own while listening to the record. While I suggest you listen to “Outside (Tiny Yung Freestyle)” as soon as you can, be careful because it’s so catchy that you legitimately might not play anything else for weeks.