Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Cheat Codes, "No Service in the Hills" [Photo Credit: 300]Cheat Codes assemble a surefire bop with “No Service in the Hills,” featuring Trippie Redd, blackbear & PRINCE$$ ROSIE.

Los Angeles, California production team Cheat Codes (Trevor Dahl, Kevin Ford, and Matthew Russell) definitely know how to assemble a B-O-P.  Post-Level 2 (their 2019 EP), the DJ trio returns with their latest bop, and first of 2020, “No Service in the Hills.” “No Service in the Hills” features a star-studded cast that includes Trippie Redd, Blackbear, and PRINCE$$ ROSIE.

 

“No Service in the Hills” may be short (two-and-half-minutes), but there’s plenty to like about this single.  The production by Jonas Jeberg and Trevor Dahl is certainly on point.  That said, one expects this of a DJ/producer collective.  Still, Jeberg and Dahl do an excellent job of setting up this superstar collaboration for success with the instrumental.  The next big win for Cheat Codes is the chorus, performed mostly by blackbear, with some ad-lib’s courtesy of Trippie Redd.  Honestly, this is the best part of “No Service in the Hills.” Blackbear’s unique vocals are perfect to carry this infectious, totally memorable section of the record:

“It’s no service in the hills
I can’t hit you back, you gon’ have to chill
Tryna make another mil’
I just can’t relax, I might take a pill
I’ve been way up, got my bread up
Talkin’ like you hungry, bitch, I’m fed up, yeah
It’s no service in the hills
I can’t hit you back, you gon’ have to chill.”

Sigh, what a hell of chorus.  Other notable happenings.  PRINCEE$$ ROSIE drops the first verse, referencing Tom Ford, Tom Cruise, and Henny.  #Woke.  Trippie Redd, meanwhile, gets his biggest contributions on the second verse, making mention of spending time “With a bad bitch, flirting in the hills,” threatening to “Commit murder in the hills,” and honestly, all things about – wait for it – THE HILLS.


Final Thoughts

All in all, Cheat Codes assemble a total bop. “No Service in the Hills” features excellent production, catchy songwriting (specifically the chorus), and enjoyable performances by all parties involved.  Will the lack of service in the hills affect your life? Perhaps if you live there, but otherwise, probably not.  Still, if you’re in need of a great pop record to get you going, “No Service in the Hills” is definitely worth considering.

4 out of 5 stars


Cheat Codes • “No Service in the Hills” (Ft. Trippie Redd, Blackbear & PRINCE$$ ROSIE) – Single • Too Easy / 300 Entertainment • Release: 1.31.20
Photo Credits: Too Easy / 300 Entertainment

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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