A Soundtrack For Steppers

Since OT The Real burst onto the Philly rap scene in 2019, kicking the door off its hinges, I’ve been a die-hard fan, preaching his gospel to anyone who’ll listen. His filthy pen game and raw, authentic delivery set him apart from the pack like a lion among sheep. Before 2019, OT was already grinding, dropping his debut single Papercuts in 2016 after coming home from a bid. But it wasn’t until he started torching freestyle platforms that the world had no choice but to take notice—his bars were straight-up arson.

With nearly 20 projects since 2019, OT’s work ethic is a masterclass in consistency, earning him the respect of Philly legends like Vinnie Paz and the East Coast juggernaut that is BSF. His elite storytelling, knockout punchlines, and unfiltered delivery make The Wars I’ve Won another gem in his crown of relentless hustle.

Every project delivers high-caliber bars over gritty Philly beats that hit you in the chest like a heavyweight’s hook. Sure, I rock with some albums more than others, but nothing he’s dropped is less than solid.

His latest project, produced by Chop-La-Rok and Rare Scrilla, leans hard into electric strings, keys, and vocal samples, conjuring an ‘80s crime-drama vibe that’s cinematic. It’s light on the drums and basslines I usually crave, but the concept lands like a perfectly executed heist. Take End of the Day—a drumless track built on what feels like a gritty reinterpretation of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Tuesday’s Gone riff. Man, I wish they’d laced it with some drums, but even so, it’s dope for what it is.

Heavy strings in hip-hop ain’t for everybody, I get it. But for me? They stir something in my soul I can’t quite put into words. Remember that iconic Chappelle’s Show sketch with John Mayer? Yeah, this white dude can’t resist a gnarly riff, no matter where it’s at.

Still, OT doesn’t skimp on the boom-bap bangers. Tracks like Life Plus Life featuring Benny The Butcher and T.F. are straight fire. OT has a knack for bringing out the best in his collaborators, sparking a healthy, competitive energy that elevates everyone. Benny, in particular, drops one of his hardest verses in a minute.

For the sake of critique, the heavy strings and sparse traditional beats might not click for everyone. But OT’s music isn’t trying to please the masses. It’s for those who’ve lived the same struggles, who feel his stories and razor-sharp pen in their bones. And if I’m being real, I think that’s the only crowd OT’s aiming to lock down.

Standout Tracks: Life Plus Life, Fishtown, End Of The Day

Album Rating:👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (8.5/10)