After appearing on songs together over the years and bonding while on a press trip in Los Angeles last year, Strange Music labelmates Stevie Stone and JL are preparing for the release of Kontra-Band, their debut collaborative album which drops on April 20.
Lead Kontra-Band single “Groomed By The Block” features rising rapper Phresher (best known for appearing on Eminem’s “Chloraseptic” and its remix with 2 Chainz) and showcases each artist discussing his respective street background. “We all came from situations that were hood, that were grimy,” JL reveals. “It’s a really catchy song. It’s a nice dynamic. It’s three different artists that are completely different, but meet at a dope place.”
Other Kontra-Band songs include the celebratory “Too High Today,” the fervent “Envy,” and the dark “Not One Of Them,” featuring Tech N9ne.
Kontra-Band’s title was inspired by the popular 1980s video game Contra. “It had two dudes running and gunning,” JL explains. “That sparked something for me, with two dudes being in the game. As we started making music, we were discussing ideas and Tech actually was the first one to say Kontra-Band.”
While in Los Angeles last year promoting their respective projects, Stevie Stone and JL started recording material that served as the genesis for Kontra-Band. “We’re just kindred spirits, man,” Stevie Stone says. “The stars aligned and we went in there and were surprised. It just came like water. We vibed real well and bounced off each other real well, and came up with a dope project.”
Check out the video below.
Stevie Stone & JL Kontra-Band Tracklist:
1. Groomed By The Block (featuring Phresher)
2. Lessons (featuring Jeff James)
3. Trapping On A Hill
4. Too High Today
5. She’s So Fly (featuring Peetah Morgan)
6. I Was Ready
7. Envy (featuring Suli4Q)
8. Not One Of Them (featuring Tech N9ne)
9. Boss Sauce
10. Miles Davis (featuring Joey Cool)
11. Pluto (featuring Suli4Q)
12. Cautious (featuring Flawless Real Talk)
13. Bad Habits (featuring Krizz Kaliko & Navé Monjo)
14. Only A Man (featuring Suli4Q & Adrian Truth)
