BP Infinite – Kill or Be Killed (Album Review)

Kick-ass bars come rampantly in “Kill or Be Killed.”

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TOP 3 SONGS

3. I Survived

“I Survived” barely edged out “Deep In My Heart.” Here’s why:

If you’re a hip-hop artist looking to impress me, take a page from Shots Almigh and Eddie Kaine on their track “I Survived.” They rap over soulful hip-hop production, and both bring their A-game with compelling verses. SA and EK deliver their raps with conviction and raw grit, reflecting on their experiences growing up in the streets, from witnessing early deaths to friends being incarcerated. Their tough upbringing seems to have only made them stronger, adding depth to their powerful performances.

2. Kill Squad (Ft. Redman & DJ Stitches)

REDMAN!!!!

What would the hip-hop game be without Redman? I feel like a good chunk of the creative rappers in the game have either intentionally or unintentionally gotten some inspiration from the New Jersey legend. The good news is this: He’s still rapping at a high level. In “Kill Squad,” a track powered by this alert-heavy hip-hop beat with an explosive build-up, Redman drops bars about being New Jersey’s Jason, dusting his competition, and having good aim. As expected, he sounds animated and keeps the crazy punchlines coming. All in all, it’s a vintage performance from him.

1. Kill or Be Killed (Ft. RJ Payne, Skyzoo & DJ Stitches)

An unbelievable opening track.

Before I pay homage to all the rappers we hear in this track, I have to give BP Infinite his props for the unbelievable production job he did on “Kill or Be Killed.” The track boasts a synth-heavy beat that evokes the vibes of an ass-kicking scene in an ’80s action movie—a scene where the protagonist is winning. It’s the perfect follow-up to the riveting intro.

RJ Payne and Skyzoo treat the beat with the respect it deserves. Together, they deliver empowering verses that proclaim how ready for war they are, the many ways they are capable of killing individuals, and their status as certified OGs. While one sounds gassed up, the other maintains a calm demeanor. Here’s the thing, though: Killers come in all forms.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

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RGM RATING

(B)

This is the truest form of hip-hop out there.

First and foremost, I want to pay homage to the production attached to Kill Or Be Killed. Throughout the album, we’re greeted by gritty, hard-hitting, soulful, earth-shattering hip-hop beats that should excite anyone who calls themselves an MC. Additionally, they have these cinematic vibes that allow the project to flow like the soundtrack to a ’90s Tarantino flick. If I were to grade the production, it would easily be an A. Also, kudos to DJ Stitches for adding his flair throughout.

I miss the days when hip-hop was full of MCs with distinct personalities. That said, Kill Or Be Killed brings together a diverse array of rappers, each with their own unique style. Additionally, BP Infinite did an excellent job collaborating with artists who can truly rap, as everyone delivers seamless flows, clever punchlines, and exudes confidence. Lyrically, the project offers unmistakably street-inspired content, resulting in verses that are competitive, tough, violent, and unapologetically real. It’s a breath of fresh air.

Following a number of notable joint albums and ambitious EP releases, BP deserves a victory lap like Kill or Be Killed. And so do the hip-hop heads out there who will find a lot to love about this project. The album is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms, with 200 copies available on red-marble vinyl through Bandcamp and Get on Down, via Common Virtue Records.