Two halves of the creative unit known as Slugboys, Rocco and Blackbrainz come together for ten tracks of rugged energy and tight chemistry. Blackbrainz’s production serves as the foundation, moody, cinematic, and tinged with grime, while Rocco’s deliberate, measured flow cuts through each beat with confidence. From the opening seconds, the album delivers that nostalgic knock that fans of the early 2000s underground scene will immediately recognize, yet it never feels dated.

The project runs just under thirty minutes, but its brevity works in its favor. Each song lands with purpose, leaving little room for filler. The duo’s intent is crystal clear: no gimmicks, no trend-chasing, just pure grit and personality.

The opener, “Intro” (feat. MADD KEYS), sets the mood like a film score, easing listeners into the world of Slugs Never Die with textured keys and a cinematic sense of tension. From there, “Presidential” takes the wheel, riding with confidence and swagger, a head-nodding cruise through the minds of two artists who know exactly who they are. By track three, the energy hits a new level. “Jetlag”, featuring Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia, injects a jolt of Southern bravado and high-octane rhythm. Juicy’s quick-witted delivery bounces effortlessly off Rocco’s steady cadence, creating one of the most replayable moments on the record. “Demon Girls” follows as the longest and perhaps most emotionally charged cut, a dark, introspective turn that explores temptation, fame, and the line between vulnerability and vice. Then comes “Gold Teeth”, a sharp and symbolic anthem of survival. Its punchy flow and hypnotic beat encapsulate what this collaboration does best: channel struggle into swagger.

Track six welcomes another legend, Project Pat, whose signature Memphis drawl adds weight and authenticity to the mix. It’s a standout moment where old-school grit meets modern focus, and Rocco sounds fully in his element, hungry, self-assured, and unstoppable. While the Bandcamp edition features two additional songs, exclusive cuts that reward the dedicated, the official closer, “Heart of a Dog,” brings the journey full circle. It’s reflective and raw, showing the duo at their most introspective. The track feels like a last breath before the fade-out, leaving the listener both satisfied and curious for what comes next.

Across the board, Blackbrainz’s production is cohesive and cinematic, moody yet polished, grimy yet intentional. Wesley Rocco’s lyricism complements it perfectly: assertive, grounded, and intelligent. Together, they carve out a lane that’s refreshingly authentic in an era obsessed with algorithms and trends.

Slugs Never Die might not try to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a unified feat of strength. Urgent, heavy, minimal, and true to its creators’ roots. For a debut collaboration, it hits hard and leaves a mark. The message is simple but powerful: stay real, stay hungry, and never stop chasing what’s yours.

Listen To Slugs Never Die: slugrecordsltd.bandcamp.com/album/slugs-never-die 

Follow Blackbrainz: x.com/SlugboysENT 

Follow Wesley Rocco: x.com/TheWesleyRocco 

Written By JAYD3D!: linktr.ee/jaydedofficial