Hip-hop has a long tradition of artists dedicating music to fallen friends and family members. Bostonian budding rapper Cousin Stizz contributes to that tradition with “A-World,” his first release of the new year and the latest since the melodic “Gone Til November.” A few weeks ago, his friend Alex DoSouto was gunned down, unfortunately marking Boston’s first murder of the year and the Tee-WaTT produced loosie serves as a tribute.

The mesmerizing track features a slow, patiently-delivered hook. Once the verse kicks in, Stizz erupts with louder vocals and rhymes about putting on for his hood—“Put on for my hood, now the top is getting lonely boy”—and various other street related topics.

Stizz’s summer release “Shoutout” has created a great deal of anticipation for his forthcoming solo debut, Suffolk County. From Spooky Black’s co-sign to Drake ringing in his birthday with “Shoutout” to a meeting with Lyor Cohen, its certain 2015 is going to be a big and busy year for Stizz.

You can stream “A-World” below.

The post New Music: Cousin Stizz – “A-World” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.