In 2008, Stalley made his mixtape debut, titled Goin Ape, with fellow Ohio-native rapper Terry Urban. In 2009, he followed with the release of the new mixtape, titled MadStalley: The Autobiography, and a newfound reputation as a force on stage. Stalley attended the 2010 Iron Mic Competition in Beijing as the featured MC.
After Stalley signed a deal to Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group (MMG) label. Stalley has worked with producers Ski Beatz on the tracks, including "Address", "S.T.A.L.L.E.Y.", "Do It Big", and "Harsh Ave". Artist, named Rashad Thomas, was featured on album Lincoln Way Nights and a recording artist, named J. Rawls would be featured on the track "Babblin".
Stalley was featured on Curren$y's Universal/Def Jam album Pilot Talk on the track "Address" (released in June 2010), as well as he featured on Ski Beatz's Universal/Def Jam projectsā including 24 Hour Karate School and 24 Hour Karate School, Pt. 2. In February 2011, Stalley completed a sports-themed music project, commissioned by ESPN, for future use in television and online programming. Stalley's Lincoln Way Nights (released in February 2011) has received 130K+ downloads and reigned at number 2 for Bandcamp hip hop releases. Lincoln Way Nights (released in November 2011) debuted at number 18 on the iTunes hip hop charts and has sold 4K+ copies.
Stalley also was featured on the Maybach Music Group albums, including Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, along with Rick Ross's mixtape Rich Forever. He also appeared on Ross' fifth studio album God Forgives, I Don't.
His most recent mixtape Savage Journey To The American Dream (released in March 2012), which reached 100K downloads in the first week, and was featured as the Stereogum Mixtape of the Week and the Spin Rap Release of the Week (7 out of 10). It was graded an XL by XXL, and HipHopDX awarded it 3.5 out of 5. The mixtape almost entirely produced by Huntsville, AL underground veterans Block Beattaz. Stalley's debut retail single "Swangin" featuring Scarface, from his Honest Cowboy, released on March 26, 2013 reuses a beat from G-Side's namesake track "Swangin" off their 2008 album "Starshipz & Rocketz", also produced by Block Beattaz. The music video was released on July 9, 2013 and featured a cameo from Paul Wall. On August 8, 2013, following of his mixtape's release, it was met with generally positive reviews from critics such as PopMatters. After it was revealed, it received a nomination at the 2013's BET Hip Hop Awards for the "Best Mixtape Category". After receiving a great response from his label, he released Honest Cowboy: EP to iTunes on September 17, 2013, which is on the same day as the release of the label's third compilation album Self Made Vol. 3.
On August 22, 2014, Stalley announced his debut album, Ohio, and four days later, he announced October 27 as the release date.
On August 21, 2015, almost one year since announcing his debut album, Stalley released a seven track mixtape, titled The Laughing Introvert. On January 25, 2016, Stalley released his 7th mixtape titled Saving Yusuf.
In 2017, Stalley released his second and third albums through Real Talk Entertainment, New Wave[/ablum] and Another Level. In an August 4 interview with Respect. magazine, he confirmed he was now independent.
See The Milq From My Chevy
Stalley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And don't forget the (music)
A hustler told me you only hustle when you need to
And make sure you feed the streets, please don't let them feed you
And don't listen to them snakes, they'll tell you anything to lead you right
In their garden so they could squeeze you
With the most venomous approach and they'll hang you with them ropes
Just some addicts in disguise and you can see it in they eyes
And they come across so real in they lies
Some of my closest partners geeked out
Trapped on the southeast side and they ain't getting out
Either you a hustler or a customer some ain't built for the game so they be (codeine and pilled out)
Trying to get rid of the pain and honestly I had some feelings the same
Just I faced up a little, different pace up a little distance away from the trap but I keep it trill with my folks and I always come back
Lesson learned know that
My raps tell a lot about where I been, where I came from, what I been doing, where I'm going to
My reflection through this father glass booth is the essence of a root that came from the soil to produce
Much life to the hopeless I stayed honest so they not misinformed and I always paid homage so they listen to him
Knowing there's never been one so powerful to speak for them
And now I'm here on this platform, Imma rap for them like pimps back home with curls and platforms
But it's escaped cons and long beard and I still got the drop top with the diamond in the rear
No fear homie this is it, no shortstops I'm swinging for the fences all or nothing no bunting
Cause if I go I'm going out on some epic ish
(Cause if I go I'm going out on some epic ish)
The song "See the Milq in My Chey" by Stalley talks about his reasons for rapping and his experiences with the hustling life. In the opening lines, Stalley mentions that he raps for various types of people, including blunt heads, fly ladies, and prisoners, which indicates that his music is meant for a diverse audience. He emphasizes the importance of not letting the streets feed you and warns against listening to people who might deceive you with their lies. Here, he highlights the cutthroat nature of the street life and how one must always be careful and vigilant to survive.
Stalley speaks from personal experience, having seen some of his closest partners struggle with addiction and being trapped in the Southeast side. He notes how some people are not cut out for the game, and the addiction to codeine and pills can be an enormous issue. Despite this, he keeps it real with his folks and always comes back to his roots, where he maintains close ties to his community, even if he's distanced himself from the traps. He acknowledges that he's learned valuable lessons and is still growing.
The song's chorus talks about his rap reflecting his experiences, the roots he comes from, and how he pays homage and stays honest. Stalley views his platform as a way to speak powerfully for those who have never had a voice, continually seeking to uplift the hopeless. His rap is a reflection of his authenticity, and he understands the responsibility that comes with this position.
Overall, "See the Milq in My Chey" serves as a call to stay true to oneself and the community, eschew the dangers of the streets, and always be honest.
Line by Line Meaning
I rap for listeners, blunt heads, fly ladies, and prisoners
I create rap music that appeals to a diverse audience including those who listen to it solely for enjoyment, those who use it to escape reality, those who appreciate the art form, and those who are currently confined in prison.
And don't forget the (music)
I also create music with the intention of it being listened to and enjoyed by my audience.
A hustler told me you only hustle when you need to
An experienced individual involved in the game of hustling advised me to only engage in it when necessary.
And make sure you feed the streets, please don't let them feed you
Ensure that you are providing a product or service to the streets (the audience/community) without getting consumed or exploited by them in return.
And don't listen to them snakes, they'll tell you anything to lead you right
Do not trust individuals who are deceitful and will easily manipulate you for their own benefit.
In their garden so they could squeeze you
These deceitful individuals will try to maintain control over you and your actions to ultimately benefit themselves.
With the most venomous approach and they'll hang you with them ropes
These individuals will use their poisonous and harmful tactics to trap and harm you.
They be acting like they clean but they be mingling with dopes
These individuals may appear to be trustworthy and honest, but in reality, they are associating themselves with dishonest and harmful substances.
Just some addicts in disguise and you can see it in they eyes
These individuals are actually substance abusers who are hiding their addiction, but it is still evident through their appearance and behavior.
Some of my closest partners geeked out
Even some of my closest friends and associates have succumbed to addiction and drug abuse.
Trapped on the southeast side and they ain't getting out
These individuals are stuck in their addiction and the negative environment that comes with it, with little hope for escape.
Either you a hustler or a customer some ain't built for the game so they be (codeine and pilled out)
There are only two types of people in this game - those who hustle and those who are on the receiving end (customers). Some people cannot handle the game and turn to drug abuse as a way to cope.
Trying to get rid of the pain and honestly I had some feelings the same
Those who turn to drug abuse are likely trying to alleviate their emotional pain or numb their feelings. I have also had similar feelings in the past.
Just I faced up a little, different pace up a little distance away from the trap but I keep it trill with my folks and I always come back
I have distanced myself from the harmful environment that comes with drug abuse and hustling, but I still stay true to my roots and always come back to my community.
Lesson learned know that
Through my experiences, I have gained valuable lessons and insights that I carry with me.
My raps tell a lot about where I been, where I came from, what I been doing, where I'm going to
My music is a reflection of my past experiences, my upbringing, my present actions, and my future aspirations.
My reflection through this father glass booth is the essence of a root that came from the soil to produce
The image I see of myself through this metaphorical 'father glass booth' is a representation of my origins and the growth and development that has come as a result of it.
Much life to the hopeless I stayed honest so they not misinformed and I always paid homage so they listen to him
My honest and authentic music has given hope to those who may be feeling hopeless and my appreciation for those who came before me has earned me the respect and attention of my audience.
Knowing there's never been one so powerful to speak for them
My audience recognizes that I have a unique and powerful voice in the industry that speaks to them and their experiences.
And now I'm here on this platform, Imma rap for them like pimps back home with curls and platforms
With the influence and success I have gained, I will use my platform to continue representing and speaking to my audience, just as pimps back home would use their platform to connect with and appeal to their community.
But it's escaped cons and long beard and I still got the drop top with the diamond in the rear
Even though my audience may come from difficult and unconventional backgrounds, I still maintain my own style and sense of success and luxury.
No fear homie this is it, no shortstops I'm swinging for the fences all or nothing no bunting
I am taking a big risk by putting it all on the line with my music and my message, and I am not playing it safe - I am swinging for the fences and giving it my all.
(Cause if I go I'm going out on some epic ish)
I am committed to leaving a lasting impact and legacy, and I will not stop until I achieve greatness.
Writer(s): Stalley
Contributed by Julia D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rodney Cohn
This Album is so slept on smh production was fire Iām from the WestCoast and I stay bumping this album
Bare Feet Grounded
Say DAAT@
Sacramento Environmental Services LLC
slept on big time this helps me out
Antonio Poteat
Still rocking this in 2023
Ajamu Collins
Only the LISTENERS come back to
billionairebil_
Heard this sample on Danny Brown Best Life and was like wait I know that sample! So I came back Lol
Yaneli Aguilera
Great riding music šš
BlaxKid22
College classic