On November 29, hip-hop veteran Stalley shared his new single “Bakery.” This marks the third single from his forthcoming album, Somebody Up There Loves Me, set to be released on December 6, 2022. The Ohio’s Blue Collar Gang emcee is known for his vicious wordplay and deadly flow. His latest track is no exception. 

“You know all my struggles, you know where I come from, whatever it comes with, just know that I won’t run/I’m battling demons like I’ve been stuck in the dungeon/ You only get one bullet in me, I’m the top gun/Now ain’t no stoppin’ till the feds come knockin’ get the bread turn this bitch into a bakery.”

On the B.A.M. produced record, Stalley delivers soulful vibes that feel warm and nostalgic. To understand Stalley’s achievements is to recognize his creative evolution. He has refined a natural musical fluidity and developed a sense of comfort in who he is. 

Ahead of his album next month, I had the chance to interview Stalley to learn more about his latest album.

Lyrical Lemonade: Who inspired the sound you created? 

Stalley: I think it’s a wide mixture of people. Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye…all the way to Nas and  Scarface as far as storytelling. I can say myself. The car rides I took as a kid, the kinds  of beats I like listening to— all shaped my sound.  

Lyrical Lemonade: How is your new partnership with Mello Music Group? Are you still considered  independent via this partnership? 

Stalley: I enjoy having the opportunity to partner with a company like Mello. They have the same  sensibilities and goals I have as far as reaching people. And yes, I can partner and still  be independent. I’m still the CEO of my own company, Blue Collar Gang. I can also work  with whomever I want or no one at all. There’s freedom in that.  

Lyrical Lemonade: Do you feel like you get enough credit for the influence your sound and style has had on  hip-hop? Your beard has been a trend setter, how long have you kept the look? 

Stalley: After I released ITM (Intelligent Trunk Music), I started to hear my influence and had  people tell me I inspired them musically which is always humbling. Also, I had my beard  before I was rapping and before people were growing full beards in hip-hop as a trend. It  always bugs me out when someone calls it a “Stalley beard”, but it’s a complement.  

Lyrical Lemonade: You mentioned the 1956 movie Somebody Up There Likes Me inspired your new album titled Somebody Up There Loves Me, what exactly was it about the film that gave you the idea?  

Stalley: The title is true and how I feel, first and foremost, but the movie is about a man who  redeemed his life through his boxing career, and he overcame a lot while critics thought  his life was over. He went from being a criminal outcast to being the heavyweight  champion of the world. You will hear some of those themes in the music. 

Lyrical Lemonade: How would you describe the production and sound of the album? 

Stalley: The album has soul and jazz elements, heavy bass of course. Reminiscent of “ITM” with  some street lyricism on some records, and some calm flows on others. It has a little bit of  everything to tell the story That Somebody Up There Loves Me. 

Lyrical Lemonade: Why did you decide on singer Ania Hoo as your only feature on the album? How was it  working with her? 

Stalley: Ania is dope and I want to pay attention to her. That’s all I’m going to say. But also, she was a great compliment to bring the record more to life for the listeners. 

Lyrical Lemonade: What can we expect from Stalley next? 

Stalley: My new album,  Somebody Up there Loves Me, will be out on all platforms December 6th.