The reason why I’m featuring Kuh-Leeb’s “Pocket Reacher” isn’t just because the brother can rap. It’s also because the sound reminds me of Man on the Moon 1-era Cudi and Kendrick’s frantic flow on “Buried Alive Interlude,” which was in my top three from Take Care. No “Not Like Us.” The track has a frenetic energy to it that takes me back to the days of doing Bacardi 151 shots for the sheer [hell] of it. That’s not a bad thing. Although, you should never do shots of anything over 92 proof or you’re just tasting the burn.

Anyway, I’m not any sort of drink connoisseur. I do prefer sipping tequila versus taking shots. But, let’s get back to “Pocket Reacher.” The lyrics, sound and energy make me feel young(er) again. Why, you ask? Well, it’s not (just) because it makes me think of doing multiple shots of multiple liquors. In fact, it’s more that “Reacher” is lyrically stuffed and sonically unlike a lot of what’s being put out right now. That’s the main reason why I keep talking about the past here. “Pocket Reacher” doesn’t sound like anything out in 2025, which is wild considering how much of the 2020s sound is reutilizing 2000s hip-hop and R&B.

No, it feels original, down to the rhymes Leeb uses here to get his point across. That message of truthfulness, aiding but not pacifying (or giving into mentally or emotionally broke people), and balling ’til you fall is one that anyone can get behind. Plus, to take it back to the sound, it’s interesting enough that, even if you’re not big on 2000s hip-hop, you’ll appreciate this one.

Check out the song below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.