J. Stalin: The Bay Area native delivers with Big Breaux in 'Don't Front Part 2'

It’s bigger than E-40 and Too Short when talking about the Bay Area. It’s 2023 and the light is shining bright on hometown bro J. Stalin with the new ‘Don’t Front Part 2’ music video.

The song goes hard but add in the visual impact with Big Breaux landing on-screen time? It’s all eyes on JS. Peep the details and keep scrolling to see the cinematic flex.

A certified legend of the Bay Area rap scene, J. Stalin built his legacy with a no-nonsense approach to his art. Getting straight to business as usual, Stalin returns to double down on a classic with “Don’t Front Pt. 2,” from his recent project, Prenuptial Agreement 2. Featuring a soaring hook from Baton Rouge’s Big Breaux, the sequel to Stalin’s 2010 mob music players’ anthem, “Don’t Front,” from the original Prenuptial Agreement might slow things down with it’s R&B-sampling instrumental, but Stalin’s desire for reticence in his romantic affairs is unchanged: “I want the pick of the litter, I don’t want none of them b*****s/The cute one that don’t want me that keep turning down them n****s.”

The Thakur Media-directed video for “Don’t Front Pt. 2” was shot at the same white chapel featured on the album’s cover. While Stalin’s snow-white Jaguar coupe matches the scenery, his attire matches the black veil and lingerie of his leather-clad lover in the clip. Though the two embrace like a slow dance while Big Breaux sings the track’s seductive hook, Stalin separates like a clean break whenever it’s time to deliver his verses, keeping his priorities intact to handle business. 

“Don't Front Pt. 2” is the latest video from Stalin's recent album Prenuptial Agreement 2, and it follows videos for album highlights like "The Boss," “Basic,” “To Do List,” and “Backwoods.” The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a regional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida's Jackboy and Stockton's EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.

J. Stalin and Lyjah load up in their new 'Basic' music video

It’s looking like the world of Grand Theft Auto Online for J. Stalin and Lyjah these days. Just tap into their new ‘Basic’ music video and you can tell it’s smooth sounds with serious undertones as they flex straps like Rambo.

The West Coast sound is evident in the bars but it’s all about the cinematic appeal right here.

move. Teaming with Lyjah, his frequent collaborator and Livewire Records signee, Stalin returns to re-establish his high standards with his new video for “Basic.” The highlight track from his recent project, Prenuptial Agreement 2, finds Stalin searching for a high-class lover worthy of a high-caliber hustler like himself: “Movin, n**** I’m in motion/Hundred bands on me, baby I don’t need no lotion.”

The video for “Basic,” which quickly follows clips for project highlights “To Do List” and “Backwoods,” finds Stalin and Lyjah cruising around the city “minding their spaceships,” which come in the form of Audi convertibles and charged-up Challengers. Looking over their shoulders as they circle corners before linking back up to conduct business in an abandoned lot, Stalin and Lyjah exemplify the balance it takes to rise above the basics before it gets too acidic. 

“Basic” is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin’s new album. The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a regional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin’s raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers' anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from Mob Music architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida's Jackboy and Stockton's EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.

J. Stalin is celebrating the success of Prenuptial Agreement 2 with the Livewire Reunion Tour, hitting cities across the West Coast. The tour reunites the original Livewire Records crew, including Bay Area royalty Philthy Rich and Lil Blood. The Livewire Reunion Tour hits Club Insomnia in Oakland on May 19th and May 20th. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.

J. Stalin and Kevin Allen's 'Backwoods' music video is acting meets cinematic flexing

It’s all about the music for J. Stalin and Kevin Allen. The hip-hop duo come through with their visual treatment to their ‘Backwoods’ anthem.

It’s jaw-dropping impacts and chill vibes from start to finish. Peep the details and keep scrolling to see the duo get into their zone.

J Stalin is a crucial figure in the history of Oakland hip-hop, who reoriented the region's sound around the hard-nosed, slickly produced Mob Music in which he specializes. Delivering a short film about his favorite vice, Stalin shares "Backwoods." A soulful dedication to his favorite girl, Mary Jane, "Backwoods" reverberates with passion and paranoia in equal measure, mimicking the effects of Stalin's favorite drug. The song features a guest appearance from Kevin Allen, a fellow Bay Area rapper, whose mellow 16 provides a contrast to Stalin's hard-hustling bars. The video finds J Stalin walking around town with the personification of a Backwoods blunt, before heading to a hotel and popping bubbly with Kevin Allen and some baddies.

"Backwoods" is the latest video from Prenuptial Agreement 2, Stalin's new album, following clips for project highlights “To Do List” and “Who U Talkin 2 (ft. June).”  The sequel to the 2010 breakout project that made him a rgional star, Prenuptial Agreement 2 is a showcase for Stalin's raspy vocals, brutally honest lyrics, and peerless ability to navigate mob instrumentals. Moving from love songs to hustlers' anthems and back with effortless ease, the album features production from Mob Music architects like The Mekanix, Clayton Williams, and Mike Made The 808s, plus younger beatmakers like Juneonnabeat. Like the Pitchfork-acclaimed original, which brought guest spots from the likes of E-40 and The Jacka, Prenuptial Agreement brings an eclectic cast of characters, from fellow Oaklanders like Philthy Rich, 22nd Jim, and Jane Handcock standing up for the 357, and street heroes from other cities, like Florida's Jackboy and Stockton's EBK Young Joc, who sound right at home.

Loyal to the grind and his family, J. Stalin is building a legacy for himself and the Oakland scene he hails from. With Prenuptial Agreement 2, the proudly independent artist cements his rightful place in Bay Area history.