J.I.D. Lil Dicky. Cousin Stizz. J. Cole’s Dreamville label. Boston-hailed Latrell James has been snagging production credits on a number of buzzy disruptors for a while now, but he’s starting to gain the long-deserved recognition for his own poetic spit.

The instant popularity of last year’s releases, “Okay” and “Mona Lisa Bonet,” have meant that James’ transparent songwriting and playful drawl are beginning to really infiltrate our consciousness. Politics. Mental health. The impact of drug abuse. The lyrics are as hard-hitting as they are heartfelt.

And his latest reflective drop “Tracphone” (a pay-as-you go mobile), is no exception, as the rapper examines the changing landscape around him.

“‘Tracphone’ to me is when you no longer feel like you belong in a place where you grew up,” explains James. “It’s those lone footprints in the snow. Gentrification takes a toll on communities of colour and I wanted make light of that while also highlighting other important issues that affect us too. ‘Tracphone’ is more of a metaphor for wanting to hold onto things that are ‘old’ vs the new, and overall being proud of who you are and where you come from.”

Listen to “Tracphone” below…