Royce 5'9" delivered a standout project inLayers, which showcases his personal growth and lyrical depth. It's easily one of the best albums of the year so far, and also produced an unexpected yet impressive title track that includes Royce, Pusha T, and Rick Ross flexing their lyrical chops.
That collaborative efforts receives the proper visual treatment Wednesday, with Royce and crew planning out a robbery and kidnapping of what looks to be a sleazy politician. It's a timely theme given the recent climate of the political landscape in America, and there's a cinematic feel to the performance as the narrative unfolds at a motel that Royce takes over just so he can make sure justice is served. The video also features a cameo from Denaun Porter, who produced the record.
"Layers" is intertwined with powerful soundbites from a Louis Farrakhan speech, something Royce incorporated for a specific reason. "The Farrakhan speech inspired me to want to do something a little different and push what would be considered my creative boundary a little bit," he told Complex via email. "I thought having me, Push, and Rozay on a song together would be unexpected as well as a great start at doing so. Enjoy."
Check out the Ryan Snyder-directed video above and grab Layers on iTunes. Royce wraps up his North American tour in support of the album tonight in Seattle. For those in the NYC area, you can catch him at the Roots Picnic in October alongside the Wu-Tang Clan, Swizz Beatz, Lil Uzi Vert, and more. Tickets for the event are available here.
