This one had the potential to come across as pretentious boombap rap. That’s mainly because the beat features a melodic piano heavily, boombap drums and gruffly-delivered “against the grain” lyricism from a non-Black artist. However, I’m here to tell you that Atticus Lane’s latest is the furthest thing from pretentious, even if it’s boombap from a white dude.

In fact, I think this is one of the most-honest and soul-bearing tracks I’ve heard for SOTB thus far this week. The story behind it is equally soul-exposing, as Lane rewrote this song several times throughout the years, each time getting a bit closer to finishing and getting his thoughts out there. He wanted to make a mission statement of sorts and ended up making a showstopper of a track.

Above is the visual component of “Boxer Car Racer,” which features the NC-residing artist performing in front of rocking crowds. We also find him flashing a bit of a toothy, “hey ma look I made it” grin, even through the dust he went through to get here. It’s a solid track, one that’s made me want to check out Lane’s Nothing Good Ever Happens album, which “BCR” is a part of. If you’re like me and want some realism and truth in your boombap, this one delivers in spades. Check it out above and remember to support dope music in all its forms.