Summer In Jersey - The Garden State Hip Hop Hour’s Richard Scott
By: Natalee Gilbert
In a land full of snakes, the Garden State is far from one.
Composed of only free spirits who "ride that wave" at all cost, New Jerseyans put on for their hometowns. As a union, they mostly have sleepless nights and quick snooze sessions throughout the day. But alone, they come from different backgrounds that helped them grow.
Even so, there is one thing that all residents can agree on: Summer In Jersey lives up to all of New Jersey's hype.
When you tune into Summer In Jersey, expect songs that highlight New Jersey's undying pride and summer functions. As one part of the compilation references to the club (or klerb as others might say), the others fall in line as beach, flex or nightclub anthems. Besides this, Summer In Jersey carries a three-part skit by The Infinite Nudist. Essentially its all about a friend who is convincing another to go with him to the beach. Then, a girl whos fed up with his distant ways as they go to the shore and it closes off with a late-night "You Up?" call from a friend who tries to convince the other to leave and go to a lituation.
A few notable tracks like "Mexico Bity (Cliquot Mix)", "Dollar Sign Malc", "Sorry Not Sorry", "Maria", "Can I Call You', "Black Pool Party" and "Invited" help tourist get the jist of what it's like to live in a goal-driven yet party oriented state. The 21 piece collective is curated by The Garden State Hip Hop Hour's boss man, Richard Scott who sought to make a timeless summer tape that everyone can enjoy.
Cued into a section of every song, Siri does her part in announcing that it's a "Garden State Hi-Hop Hour Exclusive."
The first song "Valentino" by Chad B is moreso a flex track that seperates itself with self-reflection and words of encouragement. One reason why he's able to shine is because of the daily grind. Still, his success mostly stems from an undeniable skill with rhyme schemes and autotune. Following in unison is a "diamond-in-the-rough" beat that embellishes on the obstacles he's encountered. But Chad B teaches all that there is a silver lining if you just believe and focus on yourself.
"Bad Girls Only” by Melo V is a salute to all those women working 9 to 5s! The beat is influenced by pop, techno even some R&B but the power of the track is held by Melo's strong, melodic vocal play. "Bad Girls Only" really allows women to let loose and enjoy themselves.
Fourth in line, "No Way" by Trophy Hitta Sage keeps up the momentum especially with this one liner, "Wearing yellow in the summer, you're a bright catch." Like Chad B. she uses auto-tune but its a bit more airy and passionate. At most "No Way" is a techno/hip-hop track. Trophy Hitta Sage uses the beat to speak about a girl whos got her going crazy and she just wants to know whats up.
Then theres "Invited" by BUMPPRO, a track thats quite infectious and falls as an anthem to those who don't get invited to the "off-the-wall" parties. Sonically "Invited" dabbles into rock but then carries on with futuristic synthesizers, techno and auto-tune. The song speaks about a party next door that BUMPPRO has heard about but he wasn't invited to. Nevertheless he's with the hype and is going anyway because everyone needs to let loose every now and then. The best line thus far from "Invited" is "Sounds like a sick party bouncing off the wall/ I got a case, I got a bottle. But I look fly, I came to party/f*ck those problems."
In pursuit "Act Up" by Rich Smiles stresses the projects care-free flair. It's hard to fit "Act Up" 's genre into one because of the R&B vocals at hand with a dancehall and caribbean feel. Here, he sings about a women has caught his attention but he's not looking for commitment. To have her for one night is enough and he won't let anything (or anyone) stand in his way. The highlight of "Act Up" is when Rich Smiles does a vocal run on the phrases "back up" in chorus and "act up". He really cranks up the heat with his ability to alter R&B's main focal point on love.
'Intentions" by Ganja Killz and "Zaya" take a similar approach. Driven by latin and caribbean vibes, they both use soothing vocals so listeners can feel at ease. Besides this, their native tongue pays homage to where they’re from. It’s nothing but tropical slashed with a whole lot of sultry energy.
Next, “Mexico Bity (Cliquot City)” by Killa Klerk Cobain travels back to Spanish Harlem. Killa Klerk Cobain gives glory to Jersey Club and uses it to drive the beat selection. But really, its to show listeners that people in New Jersey “really just be vibin’.” This track is solely for those who are looking to have a good time. So the tango might as well go on!
Fast forward and "Jersey Anthem" by GrooveBoyPut ft. Dougie F., Tsu Surf, Sonny Breeze, Crunch Calhoun, Albee Al Daddy pave the way for all New Jersey artists to keep going! Just like them, they've been through the struggle but still conquered. Now they're realistically living their dreams. For those who weren't there for the long haul, just know these emcees hold weight. They're coming with the pounds and don't care what others think regardless!
"For The Low" by $uper Drug$ ft.Threat Digga says it all in the title. Proficient in the ways of trapping and counting blue faces, these two only wreak havoc when someone disturbs their peace. Beat wise, "For The Low" takes the aggressive approach. These two do justice in being blunt, flexing and collecting their coins discreetly.
Now if there comes a time when a jam for night drives is needed, then "All Summer" by Dollar Sign Malc is the perfect fit. Because it gives off a 90's vibe, "All Summer" will be the only thing that shines this season. To summarize, this song fits all occasions like going to the beach or riding around the town with a shawty. Same applies for "Can I Call You?" by Najir. Even though it leans more towards a early 2000's sound, its still something with hype due to the Jersey Club influence. Najir in this song speaks about how hes in need for love and doesn't want to lose his girl.
Funnily enough, "Maria" by Smooch also speaks on a love whos got the artist stuck. Like “Mexico Bity (Cliquot City)” the beat takes a trip to South America and uses some boom bap flair. On a vocal standpoint, he hits more notes than rhymes but he excels when dabbling into the two.
"Te Fallo" by Lilskrt4k feat. Chris Cruz is similar to 'Intentions" and "Zaya". Same tropical sound with a bit of reggaeton but theres more energy and switch between Spanish and English. Seems like this song is speaking about doing anything for love also. The part that gets me is the ad-libs. It really makes one feel like they're on an island.
To say the least, "We Jus" by Bulletproof Belv tells all about summer flings. Although they're great in the moment, it's really short-lived once the leaves turn brown. "We Jus" beat leans into the trap side. But because of the background drums and snares, it distinguishes itself as a summer vibe. Overall "We Jus" is a song to play when it's just too hard to say "this is a DTF situation."
On the other hand, "Sorry Not Sorry" by GrooveBoyPut and Smoove The Rapper goes in the opposite direction. GrooveBoyPut and Smoove The Rapper are really feeling this girl but shes done them dirty so now they've started to care less. Because of the drums in back and xclophone, it categorizes itself as a summer anthem. Still, "Sorry Not Sorry" has some trap influence and can easily be mistaken as another flex or derogatory song. All in all "Sorry Not Sorry" is a song for the heartbroken. It goes hard on self-liberation and leaves no room for tears or empathy.
"See This" by DOMS is worth all the hype. Trap-ridden at its own leisure, DOMS dares anyone to step up because it'll be them against him and his boys. Equally important, DOMS flexes at an all time high. One line that speaks volume is, "Gotta make those sacrifices if you want to beat them."
Like the last track, "To the 6ix" by A-Money$ is a trap song. Aside from highlighting his luxurious trips around the world, "To the 6ix" doesn't forget to talk about the exotic women and drip that he easily obtains.
Next to last, "Can't Be" by Honey gives off a bittersweet feeling. A once mutual love, Honey catches on to her mans sneaky ways. Thus she can’t help but to be hard on herself for not noticing sooner. Following is Honey's emotionally captivating vocals and a beat that pulls heart strings.
Finally, Summer In Jersey closes off with a lucid song called "Black Pool Party (CLICQUOT MIX)" by Clicquot Geno and Jet Lyte. Contrary to the beat, these two go all in with smooth sailing vocals and confidence. Some can even go so far as to say that "Black Pool Party" is making waves. Don't believe me? Listen for yourself. This song basically speaks on how they have no time for the B.S. and how certain individuals are now trying to swim on their stream of fortune. To summarize, the R&B and hip-hop influences run deep.
Go and stream Summer In Jersey now. It's available on DatPiff.
Link(s):
1. Summer in Jersey: https://www.datpiff.com/Various-NJ-Artists-Summer-In-Jersey-mixtape.941839.html
2. Instagram of Richard Scott: @itsrichz














