Bay Area lyricist J.Lately joins forces with SoCal-by-way-of-Maryland emcee Herbal T for their new single “Don’t Throw Me in That Pool,” a laid-back yet hard-hitting track that puts sharp lyricism front and center.
Built on a “slumpy” groove, the track leans into a pocket that feels both relaxed and deliberate, giving each artist room to stretch out their flows. J.Lately and Herbal T trade verses with a focus on cadence and structure, delivering intricate patterns without sacrificing clarity or substance. It’s the kind of record that rewards repeat listens—subtle shifts in rhythm and phrasing revealing themselves over time.
The single follows J.Lately’s 2025 album Good Morning Hello, a project that highlighted his range and collaborative reach with features from Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, Locksmith, Demrick, Wax, Through The Roots, Kash’d Out, and Marley B. That album positioned him comfortably between underground hip-hop credibility and crossover collaboration within adjacent scenes.
The connection with Herbal T adds another layer to that network. Fresh off a tour run alongside his brother, Wax, the duo brings a natural chemistry to the track—tight, conversational, and rooted in shared experience.
J.Lately’s momentum continues to build on the live front as well. He’s set to open for GZA in Santa Cruz on May 29, placing him alongside one of hip-hop’s most revered lyricists and reinforcing his standing within the culture.
