To the residents of Albany, New York, 518 is more than just a number. For some, the three digit code is their community and the place in which they call home. Braggadocios rhymes and 40s aside, “Five One Eight” is a throwback to El Gant’s humble beginnings at SUNY Albany, where he mastered his craft with the pen and pad, more so outside the classroom. As El Gant and Giant Gorilla Dog Thing (GGDT) get busy over this JOAT (Jack of all Trades) produced banger, they give us an insight into the good and the bad of their upbringings. With shots of Albany scattered throughout the video, it’s impossible not to get that feeling of nostalgia for your own hood. “Five One Eight” will be featured on El Gant’s upcoming LP, Beast Academy, which becomes available via CD and digital download on June 10th.
Free MP3: El Gant feat. GGDT – Five One Eight
Though his last feature came in July of 2013 (with “I Love Me”), El Gant has not lost a step; like, at all. On “Five One Eight,” Gant rips into the beat with a spry, cutting flow that is the perfect delivery method for his brash, crudely witty lyrics. Joining him atop the brisk, cut-laden beat from JOAT is GGDT, who displays a similarly hard-hitting approach. Their flows are perfectly matched to the record’s aggressive tone. It all adds up to a cut that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Beast Academy which becomes available on CD and digital download on June 10th of this year, is produced entirely by JOAT (Jack Of All Trades) and includes guest appearances from Chris Webby, Ill Bill, Torae, El Da Sensei, Infinity Gauntlet, and more.. stay tuned!