Teflon Delivers His Much-Anticipated New Album, “2 Sides To Every Story”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, veteran rapper, Teflon (born Linwood Starling), has been one of the most integral rappers to play a hand in the growth of the genre. A protege of hip-hop legend DJ Premier he is most famous for his collaborations with the Brownsville band M.O.P where he had a part in their 2000 song “Ante Up”. Although he is known for his collaborations, I grew up listening to his solo project “My Will”, and he had us all in awe with his DJ Premier & M.O.P assisted single “The Thoro Side”. His dedication to hip-hop has allowed him to remain relevant in a digital music landscape. With over 30 years of experience Teflon still has his lethal flow and exceptional delivery. Now, he enters our pages with his fire new album “2 Sides To Every Story”.
The album is a statement piece. With cohesive sonics, witty bars, and his punchy delivery, the album stands as a testament of our industry’s need to bring “REAL HIP-HOP BACK”. “2 Sides To Every Story” is Teflon’s Sophomore LP, and it features DJ Premier, Jazimoto, Lil Flame, Benny The Butcher, M.O.P., DJ Eclipse, & I-Fresh. The LP is a celebratory moment for the Brooklyn native. With DJ Premier & Jazimoto splitting the production duties down the middle, they’ve crafted a raw, mature album that showcases Teflon at the top of his lyrical game.
Teflon wastes not time getting straight to the point on his anticipated album. That is evident on his record “Out the Gate”. The record stands as a mantra or mission statement for the whole album. Due to being under contractual restraints and dealing with life in general, it is amazing to see him have this hunger in his approach. His vocals are gripping, and his lyrics evoke raw emotions. His fire burns bright throughout the rest of the record, whether it’s on bangers like “No Fake Love” and “Hostile Takeover (feat. Benny the Butcher)” or socio-political joints like “Life in the FEDS” and “Contraband.”
While Teflon goes solo for a number of cuts on the album, he also calls on his M.O.P. brethren to provide their signature energy. The two Brownsville bruisers appear on “The Thoro Side” and “Know Our Way Around,” while Lil Fame also appears on the teeth-gritting “It Is What It Is.” For me, the album is a victory lap from the Brooklyn-native. He is still at the top of his game and he is bringing everyone that helped pave the way with him. If I could envision an artist with an illustrious career looking down at all they accomplished and still running laps around the new school, this would be the album I would show them.
“I’m especially excited because the project was kicked off just as the pandemic set in and slowed down the process,” Teflon says. “Now that we are done, we can finally provide the fans with a complete body of music.”
Check out the visuals and head over to your preferred streaming platform to support, 2 Sides To Every Story, available now via 420 Music in partnership with Coalmine Records.
*CD orders are set to ship by late July, with all vinyl orders set to ship by late August/early Sept.
Album Link: NOW STREAMING EVERYWHERE (lnk.to)
