Louie Jay is as real as they come, and you especially hear this in his latest project, Street Code. The themes in his 12-track LP give others a truer look at reality. Not only does Louie Jay address unwarranted beef, but he also advises listeners to stay ten toes down.
Not to mention, the elite wordsmith stresses the importance of both family and friendship ties. He leaves nothing out of context when speaking about life experiences, his hustle, and street culture. Street Code is rooted in trap, yet takes on various approaches. One moment the rhythm can be moody, then it comes out aggressive or upbeat in other instances.
Initially, music served as a solace for Louie Jay. That is until he decided to take his talent to new heights. He’s gotten a seal of approval from rap vets like Maino, Arsonal Da Rebel, and TSU Surf.
Natalee Gilbert got the opportunity to sit down with Louie Jay at The Feature Presentation, where he answered the following:
How would you describe your sound/message in Street Code?
My sound is derived from the streets. I’m speaking for my neighborhood and the thoughts of those who are affected by the environment. I like to think of it as the theme song to real life and the triumphs and consequences of the streets.
2. Influence behind Street Code:
My ultimate influence is my family and my team because those are the people who go through the ups and downs with me and the ones I want to enjoy the success of life with me.
3. What steps did you take to create Street Code?
Like all my albums, I have to experience the music first. So authenticity is a major part of my process. The team and I brainstorm daily about the sound and the direction the album needs to go, but real life is at the forefront of the process.
4. Favorite song to record off Street Code?
“Adore” is my favorite off this album.
5. What do you hope fans get from Street Code?
I want the fans to understand who Louie Jay is through the music, and I want the fans who can connect to connect and grow with me.
6. What type of setting should someone be in when listening to Street Code?
I always suggest driving when listening to my albums because driving allows you to change environments; it could go from mansions to the slums in a matter of blocks. My music provides both sides of the coin for listeners.
7. Any upcoming singles/ music videos?
I plan on dropping visuals for “Adore,” “Stick By Her,” and “Set Plays.”
Two songs that I will be discussing today are “Off The Rip” and “Adore.”
“Off The Rip” is introduced with an eerie piano chord and scattered hi-hat pattern. Then, Louie Jay delves into his plethora of rhymes.
In his verses, Louie Jay calls out fake people who try inviting themselves into his life.
“You really ain’t my man if we don’t speak enough,” he spits. “Try to snake me for the plug/But then you call it love/Keep you niggas at a distance and the heater tucked.”
Deeper into the verses, he details the wealth at his disposal and sends shots at those who attempt to pickpocket him. While he tries to remain calm and collected, many individuals try testing his patience.
“I try to keep it peaceful/I don’t want the beef,” he raps. “But we ain’t standing down for no man/Ten toes the street.”
This line is followed by bars about his authenticity, money-oriented mentality, and what differentiates him from other rappers. Furthermore, he implies that birds of a feather flock together. This factor alone determines one’s character and values.
“Had to build with real n*ggas/Got my credit straight,” he raps. “I’m in a different bag/I’m in L. A in JAG/Fifteen hundred a night, and we ain’t looking back.”
Before the song closes, he details why his brothers are the real deal.
“Adore” starts with what seems to be a cartoon skit. After, a classical-like piano chord and booming bassline come in. Lyrically, Louie Jay details his love language, saying, “if I adore her, I dior her.” He also explains what makes her his perfect match. No one else could compare to his sweetheart.
He spits, “I’m really tryna’ spend it/What’s your askin’ price?/STK we in L.A, I got the bag tonight.“
Should she seek interest, he suggests that this woman act fast. Time is of the essence, after all.
As the song progresses, he lists why he’s better than whoever she’s seeing at the moment. Aside from being an affectionate lover, Louie Jay raps, “He cash app’in with excuses/I do it with ease.” The New Jersey-based rapper promises to be the solution to all her problems.
In his other verse, he details an intimate rendevous with his special someone. Things seem to be going great until he discovers that his jewelry is nowhere to be found. Eventually, Louie Jay sees the errors of his ways after finding his bling on the nightstand and not in his sweetheart’s possession. He prays that this situation doesn’t drive her away.
He raps, “See my chain right by the bed, right by my other sock/Now I’m panickin’/I’m hoping she won’t call the cops.“
After, he says that things get heated once more. But, the real shock comes in when he admits to having a wife. And she calls him as the two are together.
All-in-all, Street Code is an infectious listen that’s packed with vivid wordplay, life lessons, and confidence boosters. I advise you to stream it at your leisure.
