Syracuse-bred rapper Stove God Cooks is a leading voice of hip-hop’s gritty, lyrically-inclined renaissance. But despite this mounting critical praise, Stove God’s aspirations can’t be confined to one lane — he wants to be mentioned in the same breath as today’s most popular hip-hop acts. The pensive artist’s preternatural linguistic command has earned him co-signs from Billboard, Complex, DJ Booth, among others, but it’s his relentless desire — and demonstrated ability — to push the creative envelope that separates Stove God from the rest. After dishing an assist to fellow Babygrande Records artists The Yutes on “In the Kitchen,” Stove God Cooks has returned with his premiere 2021 single, “Dope” featuring French Montana.

Spitting over a textured guitar-accented instrumental, Stove God Cooks and French Montana take turns speaking on their respective trap experiences. While many aspects of this hustle have been glamorized in the media, Cooks and Montana deliver honest portrayals of this double-sided coin — the pitfalls, the glamor, the grey area that permeates the whole. “Dope” aptly manifests Stove God Cooks’ dynamic abilities, as his captivating melodics combines with his lyrical sword to cut a vivid image and a memorable record.