‘They Don’t Love You’, the new single from 8 BALL and MJG, sees the duo in fine form, trading verses with a confidence and camaraderie that has always served as their trademark.
The track is a cautionary tale, and the pair demonstrate their wisdom as they warn listeners of fair-weather friends, and to not get caught unawares by flattery. With classic Memphis hip-hop production, 8 BALL and MJG rhyme with the best of them, their sound ending up feeling like it owes as much to the delta blues, soul gospel, and elemental pop and rock, as it does to street rap.
MJG spits out his bars with a punchy forcefulness that you won’t forget in a hurry, while 8 BALL is more laid back and smooth, while he can also call on the menace when and if he needs to. The pair grew up in Orange Mound, a neighbourhood of Memphis that’s long been associated with African-American aspirations and achievement. They’re proud to represent the city, no matter how far they travel, and are also proud to tell her stories, by way of rhyme.
The clip for ‘They Don’t Love You’ takes us inside the Orpheum Theatre, in Downtown Memphis. A landmark building, it’s the perfect spot for 8 BALL and MJG to park their silver-rimmed vintage car outside. The duo are seen drinking local IPA, ‘Space Age Sippin’, which was created in tribute to the rappers, and indeed, their likenesses are reproduced in cartoon form on the can. They’re much loved in their home town, and we think you’re going to love them too.
You can find 8 BALL and MJG online on their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. Check out the video for ‘They Don’t Love You’ below.
