Bay Area rap staple China Mc Cloud is back with “Smoking By Myself,” a dope cut from his recent release, Transgressions. China infuses his signature West Coast style and futuristic, mobby G-funk sound with modern trap influences on the classic yet forward-thinking track. Featuring lush production from Phinehas Gad Israel, Smoking By Myself also has an atmospheric sound to it, which complements China’s smooth and yet commanding delivery.
China Mc Cloud has previously been one of the driving forces in the San Jose hip-hop scene, molding careers and doing more than enough to continue growing his sound. “Smoking By Myself” proves that growth, allowing him to wield the ability to weave the disparate threads of hip-hop without losing the stickiness of his Bay Area roots. With hypnotic production and confident storytelling, the track is an undeniable anthem for those who love nostalgia and innovation.
Combining West Coast energy with contemporary trap textures, “Smoking By Myself” stands out and shows that China’s artistry remains as sharp as ever. His easy-flow darts across the beat perfectly, a product of years of practice but also exploratory. It’s the kind of track that resonates outside of the Bay, imbued with that universal appeal rooted in authenticity.
China Mc Cloud helps remind longtime fans and new listeners alike why his name is still a fixture in the South Bay music scene and that his legacy is far from over.