SNIPER GANG- "BAPTIZED N BLOOD" (MIXTAPE REVIEW)

Written by: Jason Young (@jasonyoung1804)

Finally, we got the 1st official Sniper Gang project, the Florida group founded by superstar Kodak Black. He enlists 6 artists: PnB Rock, Mr.Flipper, Project Pooh, John Wicks, Jackboy, Petho Burr, C.B.E, and Box Chevy for this 18 song mixtape. The intro “Day Ones” is the only single featuring an artist not apart of Sniper Gang, being PnB Rock; the single is meant to be a thankful ode’ to the soldiers that helped Kodak ascend to the level he’s on today. The second single introduces us to 3 more of the gang, where they really get into the vibe of the Broward culture from their perspective, toting. 

40’s and bussing missions state-to-state. They spread these vibes across the sunshine state on the third record “Florida” ; catch Mr.Flipper reflecting on his hustle, knowing what he has to do to put food on the table might not be morally correct, but necessary to make sure his family straight - he rather be a devil to make sure the people around him stay angels. Petho Burr molly walks on the hook, with Kodak balancing the record with his upbeat approach to his delivery. I’m not diving into “Love My Toolie", it could have been left off the project.

“Glee” , this record takes us down the aggressive road of the streets, where you find Kodak and his blood brother John Wicks standing tall after conquering the dark side. They show they’re at ease with the lifestyles they’ve been living after adapting to the ugly nature of negativity put into the ghetto. On the next single “No Set Trippin’” , Mr.Flipper, Kodak, and Project Pooh go back and forth, from laying out some of the principles of their lifestyle, to cutting it raw, straight to the dog food - no pedigree. Record #7, titled “Shotgun Pete” is where we get a clear picture of who Petho Burr is, a true spy, laylow and when it’s time to let it bang, just know Petho Burr in range; the real epitome of “real G’s move in silence” according to the Project Baby. On “Squad Shit” , we get a record where the brothers John Wicks & Kodak Black promoting the true meaning loyalty, riding till the death, no hesitation, no matter the situation. Right or wrong, they will always support each other. Record #9, titled “No Respect” , Kodak switches up to the stutter flow, showing love to all who assisted in putting his community on the map. On the other hand, Mr.Flipper can’t help but get involved in violence, making sure everyone around stay safe.

C.B.E gets introduced on the mixtape on “Fuckin’ With Me”, taking over the hook, painting the picture of a ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ or ‘Romeo & Juliet’ bond with his lady, while John Wicks drowns in the aura of his feelings the philosophize hood love. Issa gangster party on “Golden Acres” , where the clique is able to combine their vibes and create a fun space. This what you play on the way to buss a play. Being true to their Haitian roots, on “No Way” they get back to the essence of of taking law into their own hands; natural law. Project Pooh also addresses this in “Turnt Cold” , reflecting on the situations that led him to the feeling, from losing his father to dealing with friends who switched to the Feds. Again, he relies on the ‘zoe’ culture and ethics to get him through the times. “Just Wanna Know” takes us back to the story and predicaments of hood love. Pooh wants to make sure his lady will be there in not only the good, but also the bad time. Petho Burr’s needs loyalty. Wicks wants his lady to not only be loyal, but want her to be his motivation. Pussy is power in Florida culture, and they vow to make sure the queens get treated as such. Once we jump out the pussy though, it’s back to tunnel vision mode, and Box Chevy, Project Pooh, and Mr.Flipper lets this known in “Lurkin’” .

Box Chevy welcomes the listeners to a true ‘Dark Sky Paradise’ with the illustration of the vibes during life-threatening missions, normally reserved for crash dummies. The fact that they’re 4 deep let’s you know that the depths on the situation is that of an ocean - fuck a knee deep. Mr.Flipper turns up the mission to another level, getting a loogaroo involved. I’ll leave that there.

​On “Wizard” , Project Pooh uses clever metaphors to connect the his dealing with drugs to his dealings with his dealings with underworld. The dark life ends on “Wonderful” , with John Wicks & Mr.Flipper being grateful for not having to look over their shoulders on a daily basis anymore. The show appreciation for the elevation the whole clique is on. On the tape’s outro “Pick A Choice” , Kodak Black & Petho Burr dives in positive vibes, swearing to cut off all negativity in their life. At the same time, they address the duality of the streets, where you find no greater adrenaline rush once you make your exit, but you got your peace of mind. Enjoy.