Andre Nickatina utilizes lots of stereo effects, ambient found sounds, and off-kilter, distant melodies in this eerie rap track. The instrumental is comprised of layers of hazy sounds in each channel. The core “melodies” are defeated sounding and never resolve, just coming up and down. Around this are chimes and disembodied vocal chops scratched by a DJ. The “normal” components of the track, holding it together from being pure ambience are the pretty conventional drum loop and Nickatina’s verses.
The vocals are produced differently on the chorus and verse — while the latter is clear and prominently heard over the beat, the chorus is lo-fi and lower in the mix, becoming another piece of found sound blending in with the others. This is an intentional move by Nickatina (and/or his producers): because the verses are story-focused with lots of twists, its important they’re clear and come through the mix. Meanwhile the instrumental is the backdrop, setting the tone for the dark story of drug dealing, betrayal, and redemption.