You can add Joey Fatts to the growing list of Westside story tellers.

Fatts is from Long Beach, California and joins Vince Staples in holding things down for the LBC in this ever improving hip hop world. His latest mixtape iLL Street Blues only enhances not only his reputation but also the greater reputation of the West West as he explores many of the troubles that we've come to expect from a young male in Los Angeles.

We hear these tales a lot but Fatts is able to put his own spin on it, which when combined with his own production gives him plenty of room to flex. With seven songs, there's no fat on this mixtape, there's no songs which make you wonder why they made the cut and there's no room for Fatts to linger stay stuck in one thought.

The first track 'Intro' centres around the birth of a child but as soon as you hear the mother utter "Damn, this motherfucker look just like his daddy" you get the switch up. That's followed up by Fatts spitting "Westside of the map, Eastside of the beach".  Over some cold production, which puts Joey's skill on display as he slowly builds tension and allows his words to paint the picture, he sets the scene for some straight up Long Beach stories.

"Sleep on the floor, roaches in the kitchen, gotta leave them lights on, that's how we livin'" How We Livin'

From that point on you get Joey Fatts telling you how it is with tracks like 'How we livin', 'Same Shit' and 'Everybody' taking you to the streets as Fatts acts as a voice for his peers. The idea of not having many more options that hitting the block and selling what you've got to sell is evident throughout the mixtape, but Fatts balances the sadness and desperation with hope of one day not having to do all of that just to get by.

'Sunday' is of a similar style, but Fatts rather expertly juxtaposes church with hustling. For some, Sunday is a day of the lord and relaxation, but for Joey and his peers it's business as usual. Not only in terms of their money making exploits but just everyday stuff that a youngin' enjoys. He offers plenty of smart bars amongst the stories...

"Should be in church, but what good is a collection plate when you ain't got no pot to piss in"

"I guess you pray, then if that don't work my nigga you ass'd out, I'd rather take my chances with god and cash out"

"Monday through Sunday, the big homie ride with a bible on the dash, but we still about that gun play"

The production from Joey Fatts deserves a special mention because it's clear that the dude's got talent. The drums come in at the perfect time, but they aren't always present as Joey explores a variety of sounds and allows the musical composition to perfectly lead the way in terms of the vibe of each song. 

There's highs, there's slowed bits and there's plenty of little interludes that set the scene and tone. Each song is something fresh as there's no real loops, as each bar offers variety the production offers something different every few bars and it's like a little adventure as Joey makes every second on this mixtape count.

The tape is perfectly finished with 'All We Got'. As Joey takes us on a little adventure through hardship, the life he lived and what had to be done just to get by, there's only one direction for the last song to take you as a listener. Onwards and upwards.

My Bang Up Banger is 'Late Night'. Besides some funky production and dope bars, it's a track that any herb smoker can identify with or anyone who is enduring that hardship.

What is it? It's an introduction to Joey Fatts. He's done a few previous projects but this is is the best representation of Joey Fatts there is. While many folks are tuned in to Big Sean's latest release or something similar, those who know of Joey Fatts have been given a mixtape that should serve as a reward for their appreciation. For those who are listening to Joey Fatts for the first time, this mixtape will get you on board.