Touching on themes of fatherhood, marriage, and Tampa shit, Pusha Preme solidifies himself at the top of the Tampa Bay Hip Hop landscape with his latest album “Red Oktober”.
Viewed as a companion piece to his 2020 project “Before I Say, I Do”, “Red Oktober” shows growth from Preme not only in his artistry but as a man.
The project starts off with the uplifting “heavenlyFATHER”, portraying Preme’s in struggle as a man. Preme is one of the only artists I have heard that is able to capture that grandiose production that is a kin to Ye and Travis Scott at points. This track really puts you in the headspace of Preme.
But before Preme dives all the way into his new role, he still brings it back to the streets on “Outsiiide”. The triumphant horns and hard hitting 808s allow Preme to talk his shit. The more melodic part of the hook is one of my favorite song choices Preme has done to date. It’s a must that we get a remix featuring at least one of the members of Outside World ENT.
“get Up” featuring Jafarlee & Bruce Wayne is on some back home from the club, late night vibes. I really enjoyed this track. It was a nice change of pace at this point in the album. Preme is able to deliver his vocals with ease not coming off out of pocket.
Bringing the Caribbean vibes on “Trinidad James” Preme and Big Jayoh go bar for bar, switching back and forth throughout the verse similar to how Styles and Jada do. This track is short and sweet but Preme and Jayoh still get there point across.
This shit right here is a Tampa Bay classic at this point. One day the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gonna run out of the tunnel to “Never Thought” featuring Jay Browne. This one is a straight banger. Jay Browne is on his early 2000s Jay Z shit, and Preme rips his verse and hook. Seeing the 3D video for this joint at the listening party made it go full circle.
“Wrong Way” featuring AD the Artist is my favorite Pusha Preme song to date. I love the fact that this track can work on an underground and mainstream level at the same time without sounding forced. This sound is something desperately needed in not only the Tampa Bay Hip Hop scene but the entire game as a whole.
“cause I Want U” featuring Kashvilli is a feel good joint. It reminds me of that track you keep hearing over and over during a road trip that becomes the soundtrack to that trip essentially.
“Prisoner of WAR” is something special. I really dig all the instrumentation and sounds on this joint. Between Preme’s vocals and the always great Michaela Paladio you’ll have no choice but it move it out on the dance floor to this Sade esque track.
“Sick Of These Games” is my shit. The different styles of the artists vocals is what I feel really makes this track. From the ear worm hook, to the standout verses from Quintin Cambridge and Indie Indigo, this is a track everyone can relate to.
“Why Do Fools fall in Luv” is a more melancholic joint but it still fits well within the context of the album. I really mess with the guitar strings on the hook of the song, and Preme’s backing vocals add a nice.
The project concludes with some more Caribbean vibes. I really dig Davion the God on the hook and the verse, his flow almost makes what he’s saying feel like a chant or anthem. That haiku line by Preme was cold, as well as the follow up Goku line. The video for this joint is really solid as well, bringing the song to life.
“Red Oktober” is one of my favorite projects of the year. Pusha Preme keeps elevating his game with each project, honing his sound into something that is solely his own. I really appreciate everything Preme does for the Tampa Bay Hip Hop community so big shout out to him. Tampa Bay will win!!!