Los Angeles is dealing with a tough time, right now. While celebrating their late brother, Nipsey Hussle’s first win, and tribute, during Grammy Weekend, the city was deflated when the news broke that another favorite son, Kobe Bryant, had been taken in a Helicopter accident along with his daughter and 7 other people. The news had people shocked, and rightfully upset. The whole world stopped for a day. But if you know anything about L.A. or Kobe, then you know resiliency is the claim to their fame. Mamba Mentality, the show must go on–in his honor. Giving the city something to smile about, Eastside rapper Airplane James connects with frequent collaborator, Sham1016 to form the group 1Ten, as they release their anticipated group project, This Ain’t That.
You may remember Plane and Sham from their 2019 viral hit, “FWU,” that sampled Tony! Toni! Tone!‘s classic, “Anniversary.” From the success of that single, as well as a couple of solo efforts from each of them, the buzz began to elevate about a possible collaboration between the two. Produced entirely in-house by Corey G and SoundsLikeTC, the project finally came in, This Ain’t That. Utilizing the soulful production and relatability that carried them on, “FWU,” the duo shines as they provide more heat in the form of tracks like, “None With Us,” and “24/7,” both highlighting the undeniable chemistry from the group.
While the project has no skips, partially due to its length and sheer quality, it does have two undeniable standouts. With, “U Or The $,” that one hits a little bit differently. Shamelessly possessing an early copy of this record that only includes Airplane James, Sham absolutely defines this track once his presence is called upon. Knowing the words already from the leak, it was a pleasant surprise to hear Sham clean it up at the end. As for the title track, “1Ten,” it doesn’t take a rocket scientist or an experienced A&R to see that this is the one. Sounding like a bittersweet ride in Los Angeles where the traffic is heavy, but the sun is entrancing, I personally can’t wait to see if they do a music video for this one. If they do, there’s absolutely zero chance that it doesn’t become a staple in the city.
Take a listen to This Ain’t That below and get hip to So Cal’s newest heat.
