Boldy James & Nicholas Craven Deliver a Standout Collaboration on Late to My Own

Boldy James and Nicholas Craven have teamed up to drop Late to My Own Funeral, a concise but powerful rap album that blends soulful production with vivid street storytelling. This 10-track, 32-minute project proves that Boldy James is back in full form and Nicholas Craven remains one of the most underrated producers in hip hop today.

Nicholas Craven’s Production Run Continues

If you’ve been paying attention to the underground hip hop scene, you know Nicholas Craven has been on an incredible run, crafting beats for a variety of artists with distinct styles. He’s carving out a lane alongside legendary producers like Alchemist and Conductor Williams, consistently delivering soulful, sample-heavy instrumentals.

On Late to My Own Funeral, Craven’s production is rich with soul samples, layered textures, and a warmth that gives each track depth. These beats can inspire both slow, reflective flows and faster deliveries, and Boldy uses both approaches to great effect.

Boldy James Finds His Groove Again

The album opens with “Spider Webbing Windshields”, where Boldy smoothly paints a picture of violence and street life, referencing what a bullet can do to a windshield. His flow here is notably sharper compared to recent projects, signaling a creative resurgence after his well-known car accident, which had impacted his cadence and energy in past releases.

Even with his naturally slow delivery, Boldy finds a way to rap with a quickness, weaving in sharp bars without losing his signature laid-back tone. The chemistry between his voice and Craven’s soulful loops makes for a near-perfect pairing.

Standout Tracks

One of the most memorable moments comes on “Trapezoid”, where Boldy uses the shape as a metaphor for his street persona. The metaphor might sound unusual on paper, but in execution it works brilliantly, showing his knack for creative wordplay.

On “The Whole Shebang”, Craven flips a soul sample repeating “give him the whole shebang” into the hook, and Boldy rides the beat effortlessly. These catchy refrains keep the album engaging despite its brief runtime.

The track “AT&T” is another highlight, with Boldy delivering a hook that lingers after the first listen. While the features on the album don’t all hit the mark, they don’t take away from the overall experience.

A Short, Focused Listen

With just 10 tracks and a 32-minute runtime, Late to My Own Funeral is lean, intentional, and rooted in Boldy’s strengths — street tales, sharp metaphors, and unfiltered authenticity. There’s no filler here, just tight, well-crafted rap music.

Boldy James stays true to himself throughout the project, speaking on his current life, past experiences, and the realities of street living. His consistency as a rapper shines through, while Craven’s production elevates the material to another level.

Final Verdict

Late to My Own Funeral might not be the album of the year, but it’s a contender for the Top 15–20 rap albums of 2025. Boldy James proves once again that he’s one of the most consistent voices in hip hop, and Nicholas Craven continues to cement his status as one of the most underappreciated beatmakers in the game.

Rating: 8.1 out of 10