Richmond, VA emcee BlackLiq and veteran producer Dub Sonata return with a heavy-hitting dose of reality rap on their new single, “10 Black Commandments.” The track serves as a sharp-edged boom bap anthem for every hustler who’s ever had to learn the game through pain, missteps, and survival instincts. As the second single from their forthcoming joint album “Much Given, Much Tested,” this release solidifies their reputation for delivering unfiltered truth over masterful production.
A Powerful Homage to a Hip-Hop Classic
With “10 Black Commandments,” BlackLiq flips Biggie’s legendary blueprint and reconstructs it for today’s generation. Where the original “10 Crack Commandments” outlined the street rules of the drug game, BlackLiq’s version evolves the narrative, offering street-smart wisdom fused with self-empowerment. This isn’t about glorifying the hustle—it’s about surviving it.
From the moment the beat drops, Dub Sonata’s production delivers a raw, cinematic canvas. It’s pure boom bap—sample-driven, punchy, and unrelenting. Every kick and snare is a drumroll for the gospel BlackLiq is about to preach.
Each Commandment, A Lesson in Survival
Laced with razor-sharp lyricism and lived experience, BlackLiq doesn’t just rap—he lectures, he instructs, he warns. Each commandment is a vital principle, crafted for those navigating the unforgiving realities of the music industry. It’s free game for the people who’ve never had a mentor, a father figure, or a lifeline.
The first few bars immediately set the tone, explaining that no one cares about you or your music. From avoiding envy and betrayal to staying sharp and never flashing too much, “10 Black Commandments” captures the essence of survival through strategy. It’s the kind of track that hits harder the more you’ve lived.
“Never Sleep on Free Game” – A Motto, Not a Metaphor
Embedded in the track is the central message: “Never sleep on free game.” That phrase isn’t just a lyric—it’s a mantra. In a world where information is currency and poor decisions can cost your freedom—or your life—BlackLiq urges listeners to pay attention. There’s wisdom in every bar, and if you’re smart, you’ll write it down like scripture.
This single is more than music—it’s a survival manual, delivered by someone who’s lived every line. The flow is intentional, the tone authoritative. BlackLiq’s vocal presence commands attention, and every word cuts like truth delivered through a megaphone.
Dub Sonata’s Production Is the Backbone of the Message
Known for his rich discography and deep respect in underground circles, Dub Sonata crafts a sonic atmosphere that amplifies BlackLiq’s message. His beat on “10 Black Commandments” is as gritty as it is clean—layered samples, head-nodding drums, and a menacing baseline that gives BlackLiq’s voice a battlefield to march across. The piano on this track is something to live for.
There’s a timelessness to the sound. It could have existed in the golden era of the ’90s or stood tall in the modern-day indie scene. Dub Sonata has a rare talent for making music that honors the past without sounding stuck in it. His collaboration with BlackLiq feels not only natural but necessary.
“Much Given, Much Tested” – A Statement of Purpose
With “10 Black Commandments” serving as the second single from their upcoming album, fans can expect “Much Given, Much Tested” to be a deeply introspective yet outwardly impactful project. This record isn’t about chasing charts—it’s about creating legacy.
The title itself hints at the duo’s philosophy. Those who are given much are expected to endure much. BlackLiq and Dub Sonata aren’t just making music—they’re building tools for survival, emotional armor for those who’ve been through the fire.
As we wait for the full album “Much Given, Much Tested,” this single serves as the perfect preview of the wisdom, raw energy, and craftsmanship that BlackLiq and Dub Sonata consistently bring to the game.
Never sleep on free game!
