Finesse2tymes - Stuck In My Ways

Finesse2tymes is not focused on expansion, but on essential elements. Stuck In My Ways, released on May 29, 2018 under the labels Mob Ties, Bread Gang, and Atlantic Records, is primarily defined by its rejection of unnecessary embellishments. This album is a precise portrait of an artist who knows how to impose strict discipline on their trajectory, compelling their audience to a 23-minute and 52-second immersion without any room for deviation.

A 23-minute album: the rigor of a project with clearly defined boundaries

The approach is deliberately austere. Nine tracks, a total duration of 23 minutes and 52 seconds, form an architecture where every second counts. This economy of sound is not due to budgetary constraints, but to a clearly defined aesthetic choice. The structure is linear, the flow is direct, and the artist seems to prioritize the intensity of the performance over the length of the lyrics or the complexity of the arrangements. It is a project where artistic density is maintained despite the brevity of the medium.

From "I'm Back" to "Crucifix": a linear structure

The album is structured around distinct poles that frame the entire piece. The first track, I'm Back, establishes an immediate and assertive dynamic, without any unnecessary preamble. This initial track sets the tone for a return or reaffirmation of presence. The album concludes with the final track, Crucifix, which acts as a symbolic closing. This division, between an opening that demands attention and a closing that seals the message, gives the album a strong narrative coherence. The intermediate tracks, such as Never 4give, Never 4get, Raw, Give Me My Cut, I Was Cappin, Scam Artist, Playa From the Himalaya, follow this trajectory without deviating from the central line established by the opening and closing tracks.

The density of a project constrained to nine tracks without embellishment

It is notable to observe the complete absence of featured artists on eight of the nine tracks on the tracklist. This lack of collaboration is not a weakness, but rather a central characteristic of the work. Finesse2tymes chooses here to remain solely focused on his own vision, refusing to share the vocal spotlight. Tracks such as Give Me My Cut or I Was Cappin, although lacking specific production or collaboration credits, contribute to this cohesive sonic unity. The album functions as a consistent monologue, where the main vocals carry the full weight of the lyrics and emotions. This approach requires the artist to have complete mastery of his sonic universe, without relying on external collaborations to compensate or enrich the project.

The exceptional vocal performance of Tone Stith on 'Still Mine' within a self-contained universe

Stuck In My Ways proves to be a work of surgical precision. Between the opening of I'm Back and the closing of Crucifix, Finesse2tymes manages to maintain focus with nine tracks and a total duration of 23 minutes and 52 seconds, without ever diluting his message. The near-complete absence of featured artists, broken only by Tone Stith's appearance on Still Mine, highlights the artist's desire to establish himself as the sole architect of this sonic identity.

Technical details

- Release date : May 29, 2018 - Label : Mob Ties / Bread Gang / Atlantic Records - Tracks : 9 (23 min 52 s) - Opening / closing : I’m Back / Crucifix - Guest artists : Tone Stith