Philly Plain Dealer

This week’s Philly Plain Dealer Song of the Week is “Radio Freestyle #93 by Teller Bank$.” This track is off of Teller’s new album produced by Philth Spector, q no rap name, Killer Kane, and ayashi!; some of the biggest names in Philly’s underground scene.

Philth Spector is a prolific Philadelphia beat-maker and producer and an organizer of the underground with more than a dozen projects on his bandcamp since 2022. This Teller Bank$ record contrasts between Earl Sweatshirt type beats and more melodic lo-fi stuff, never substituting substance for an easy listen. 

Philth Spector told the Philly Plain Dealer (in all caps): “THE LATEST OFFERING FROM PROLIFIC VOCALIST/PRODUCER/NARRATOR TELLER BANK$ FROM THE UPCOMING ALBUM DRUG$$$ (DRUG MONEY) FINDS OUR PROTAGONIST IN AN ACTION PACKED, DANGER FUELED AND ATMOSPHERIC ADVENTURE. ITS TEXTURES IMMERSE THE LISTENER IN A COMPLEX REALITY WHICH FUSES THE EVERYDAY WITH THE EXTRAORDINARY. EVERY DAY LEAVES US ALL WITH DECISIONS TO MAKE. HOWEVER, IN THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE, THE DECISION IS LIFE OR DEATH. FREEDOM OR SUBJUGATION. A CALCULUS OF EXPERIENCE. THESE POINTS ARE EMPHASIZED BY BANK$’ VOCAL TEXTURE AND POETIC STRUCTURE AND ATTENTION TO NARRATIVE DETAIL. AS WE OFTEN DISCOVER, EVEN HAVING THE “DROP” ON OUR TARGET CAN BE A HINDRANCE IN ITS OWN RIGHT. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL SUCCEED. PEACE IS OVERRATED.”

It’s clear that Bank$ and Spector have a vision for what this project is, and it shines through in a cohesive piece of art, which is all you can ask for out of an album. 

We chose “Radio Freestyle #93” as the song of the week because we felt it was the most approachable song on the project for a wide audience. Real hip-hop heads will love the project, casuals will enjoy this song!

We’re going to keep our eye on Philth Spector and Teller Bank$, as well as q no rap name, Killer Kane, and ayashi!, who are also featured heavily on this project. Congrats to the Teller Bank$ team, you have the Philly Song of the Week!