I started listening to Buck 65 back in 1996 when someone handed me a bootleg copy of Vertex. I was blown away. I had never heard anything like it. The lyrics opened up a whole new dimension for me, and the mood of the beats and samples felt completely unique.
His catalog goes everywhere. There are moments of commercial success, but also a lot of hidden gems, sometimes released under different names. It is very worth going down that rabbit hole, just know it is not a straight path. It twists and turns in the best way.
In recent years, after a long break, Buck 65, who is really a true student of hip hop, has come back with a lot of energy. It feels like he is making up for lost time and setting things straight. Since 2023 especially, he has been putting out a steady stream of music and we all benefit from that.
His most recent release feels like a return to those early Vertex days. The rhyming style, the beat making, it all taps back into that raw, original feel. It is the kind of record that opens more doors than it closes when it comes to the lyrics. It leaves space to think and come back again.
On top of that, his Substack has been a great addition. He shares behind the scenes thoughts, breakdowns, and stories that give you a deeper look into the work.
Take the time with this one. Enjoy it. Thank me later.