Download from Bandcamp

It may have been over two years in the making, but New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla has crafted a rare masterpiece in the shape of new album “XVI : Return of the Gods”.

The long time affiliate of Naughty by Nature, Lords of the Underground and 050 Boyz group member has gathered together a stellar line up of guest featured artists and producers for what is the much anticipated follow up to the classic “God of Barz”, released almost exactly four years to the day in 2020.

As before, the Newark veteran pulls no punches. Bullish and uncompromising, the themes are addressed with the heart of a lion and a bold swagger, the intense energy fuelled by a passion for the cause. This time however, the action is spread further afield.
With original foot soldiers still flying the flag for the Garden State, Chicago and Barcelona, the legion has been bolstered by additional recruits bearing heavy artillery from California, Detroit, New York, Florida, Canada, Japan and the UK.

Where ‘God of Barz’ set a highly impressive early marker, the new album is its natural successor. The range of production styles raises the levels on again while retaining the original essence. Fanning the flames with high grade octane, the fuse is lit on a diverse and powerful soundtrack for a blockbuster of fierce bars, slick rhymes and gritty lyricism delivered by some of hip hop’s most renowned verbal technicians at the top of their game.

Robust beats and turntablism from the multi credited Tone Spliff, Jamal Nueve, LG Roc, Frost Gamble and DNA Beatz build the foundations while contributions by Ramson Badbonez, Four Limbs, Sumerio Square and Tru himself add the veneer.

A potent and inspirational rallying call to arms, answered in kind by serious lyrical operatives priming their targets.

Decorated vets and fresh prize fighters stand side by side with a salvo of dexterous flows and masterful wordplay at the ready. Where Tru sets the agendas, all pile in with their own distinctive take on affairs. Loyalty, betrayal, ethnic heritage, cultural origins, injustice, political corruption, community, family, aspirations, musical legacy and the code of the streets are all stared straight in the eye and dealt with accordingly.

Whether the raucous funk laced “No Joking Around” featuring N.B.S. and Recognize Ali, the rugged boom bap of “End the Day” featuring Ruste Juxx and Julius of Shoe Gang, or the hard hitting “Sun Rays” featuring Reks and Lakim Shabazz, straight bangers are in abundance, but so too is the recurrent switch in dynamics.

Sublime ferocity complimented by the pathos of “Respectfully” where Tru, Justo the MC and NapsNDreds share the pearls, and the stream of consciousness delivered in customary style with Skyzoo and Guilty Simpson in “Turn That Down” are just two of the broader elements on display, delivering a fully rounded and sophisticated piece of work for the wider palate.

Supported by a cast of shining lights, Tru rubber stamps his own character and authority throughout a mesmerizing showcase of formidable mic skills. Hard wired to the core is his own identity, a manifestation of his beliefs and values. Artistic evolution without surrendering integrity maintains the standards, that’s the criteria.

Objectives met and then some, the results are compelling. A magnificent offering served as a feast of prime cuts for the hip hop gourmet to devour. The definition of class, welcome to the real.

Released through New Dawn Records

Brick City lyrical marksman. Solo artist and member of the group 050 Boyz.

Performed live as a guest on Sirius XM for both DJ Eclipse and DJ Premier.

Shared the stage with Black Thought, Common, Naughty by Nature, Ghostface Killah, Smif n Wessun and many more.

Associate of Naughty by Nature, Treach & Lakim Shabazz

Work with producers from New Jersey, Chicago, LA, Europe & UK

Hip Hop Warrior

1. Twitter
2. Instagram
3. YouTube
4. Facebook