Jamal Gasol aka Mr. 31, has kept his foot on with his most recent drop, "4PF Freestyle." Slid over a grimy, familiar beat accompanied by visuals from Blackbelt Jonez, Gasol raps with precision, wonder, and the gory reality that's become his calling card. This is an announcement, and it lands with the type of energy that doesn't date for respect but instead demands it. Mr. 31 Vol. 3 "The Threat Tape" will arrive on May 26. This freestyle adds to a rollout that embodies the spirit of old-school mixtape culture. There is no fluff, no gimmicks, just bars, delivery, and presence. Gasol slides across the instrumental effortlessly, spitting streetwise with an endless grind that lets you know he's in it for the legacy.
"4PF Freestyle" follows two tough leaks, "Bang Bang Freestyle" and "Return Of The Threat Freestyle," and anticipation is growing for "The Threat Tape," which will be hosted by two of the great legends, DJ Big Mike The Ruler and DJ Kasa. It's a throwback lyric meshed with the sharp edge of Gasol's present-day state of mind. The freestyle is simple without losing anything. Directed by Blackbelt Jonez, it plays to Gasol's pure charisma without overproduction. It's about presence for him, and Mr. 31 has it in spades. Not a bar, beat, or glance in the camera looks incidental. The level of delivery separates the rappers.
Although "The Threat Tape" takes precedence on the calendar, eyes are already peeled for "You Not Like That," Gasol's upcoming LP set for July. If "4PF Freestyle" is anything to go by, fans can look forward to more unadulterated truth, heavy beats, and the type of hip-hop that doesn't pander to algorithms but goes straight for the heart. Jamal Gasol is building, pressuring, and enjoying the game he loves. The newest gem in his growing collection is "4PF Freestyle," which helps set the tone for everything else.