Here is the 3rd EP from Los Angeles, California jazz rap/trap group Coast Contra consisting of RioLoz, Eric Jamal & Ras Kass’ twin children Taj Austin & Ras Austin. Their debut album Apt. 505 in the spring of 2022 received significant acclaim & their debut EP The Old Way the next fall, coming off being featured on Masta Ace & Talib Kweli’s latest albums Richmond Hill & The Confidence of Knowing respectively followed by the Austin twins’ appearance on Kamasi Washington’s 5th album Fearless Movement a year ago. Marco Polo produced my favorite EP of theirs yet In Case You Forgot at the start of 2025 & The 5th has arrived on DSPs after being exclusive to EVEN for a month.
“Rulaz” produced by Dem Jointz aggressively opens up shop talking about having no weak links around them whereas “Don’t Worry” hooks up a piano instrumental from Tae Beast suggesting not to stress over money because it doesn’t make you rich. “N2G” dabbles with trap to talk about them runnin’ it up in the midst of their new beginning while the 5 & a half minute “Woman” finds themselves experiencing a love like no other. “God’s Grace” lastly caps off the EP by smoothly talking about everything being alright & today being a good day.
I wouldn’t put it above In Case You Forgot personally, but The 5th still marks a sharp evolution from Coast Contra’s viral freestyles to fully-formed songs by showcasing the group’s lyrical depth along with their commitment to legacy & the cinematic sound they’ve become known for. The production has more trap elements than its predecessor did almost 8 months ago & I don’t mean that as a con, it just further cements the quartet’s variety.
Score: 7/10