This is the 3rd collaborative project between Brooklyn, New York emcees Eddie Kaine & Rim. Both of whom initially got together over 4 years ago on Devil’s Night 2020 for their moderately received 1st collab effort BK Caminates produced by iamT2 followed by the Meta EP a couple summers later to more mixed reception across the spectrum. Welcome to Stuyville on the other hand here had high potential of surpassing both of it’s predecessors soon as it was announced than 38 Spesh & Camoflauge Monk would both be producing it on top of Holy Toledo Productions & Compound Interest Entertainment backing it.

“What’s This” eerily welcomes everyone to Stuyville by spitting that real shit over a grisly boom bap instrumental from Camoflauge Monk whereas “Ice Cold” takes a more soulful route thanks to 38 Spesh talking about their hearts being as cold as they are refusing to fold. “Never Stop” featuring Che Noir hooks up an organ with kicks & snares promising not to hang it up leading into “Check Check” talking about bench-pressing whenever they be lifting weight off the scale.

Hus Kingpin joins Eddie & Rim on “Da Whispers” fusing cloud rap & boom bap into 1 boasting that all 3 of them stay war ready & keepin’ it gutter while “Stay Focused” motivationally talks about still getting to the dough even when the odds are against them. “Salute” featuring Benny the Butcher goes drumless as the trio do exactly what they have to, but then “Breakfast” talks about focusing on being great.

“Reminisce” featuring Kurupt begins the final leg of Welcome to Stuyville on a jazzier note reflecting on the fact that the block ain’t the same these days while “Chop House” strips the drums again in favor of a bare flute suggesting not to ride the wave if you ain’t the skipper. The closing track “Made Men” featuring the late Fred the Godson finishes the LP with everyone talking about their successes in the rap game.

Only a week into the new year, Welcome to Stuyville greatly surpasses BK Caminates & META in being the best collaborative effort that Eddie Kaine & Rim have done with one another & an early Album of the Year candidate that’ll hold it’s strength until next winter. Camoflauge Monk & 38 Spesh’s production here is more palatable than the last couple & the chemistry that the individually talented Brooklyn lyricists share gets elevated.

Score: 9/10