Sneakbo "I Used To" ft Stickz Review

“I just wanna chill out and get myself right”

Leading up to Sneakbo’s “9LIVES” album release on April 24^th 2020, of course he gave us a wonderful taste of the tales to come, starting with the music video for  “I Used To”, produced by Lekaa Beats, released two weeks prior to the album.

The song starts off with a distorted voice saying “Nine fuckin’ lives”, a nice reference to the album title and play on an urban legend (RUMOUR??) of Sneakbo infamously turning into a cat. In turn some believe Sneakbo may have nine opportunities at life, even if he is harmed, or at least more opportunities than some...



The voice saying “9 Fucking Lives” could be seen as the devil resetting the lives of street cats, like pictured on the cover, that are looking to improve their life and get another shot. A person then speaks about the change they are pursing with goals like

“I wanna live, I wanna live and see Life”

Something many of us, no matter the upbringing nor background, aspire to do, It’s nice this song highlights ways people may be led astray, as both Sneakbo and Stickz discuss things they’ve done, causes people to stray from their best life, with freedom.

In this song Sneakbo links up with Stickz to talk about what he used to do, as now he clearly must be a different man.

“I used to waste time on opps, I used to rise up that .9 or Glock…”

Nowadays, Sneakbo seems to spend his time doing thing’s other than dabbling in violence, with opposing gangs or rivals of some form. This message is wonderful to hear as approaching his 10-year anniversary pursing music, publicly. He originally come’s from Brixton, a place known for culture and violence and the range of artists that stem from Brixton for decades. Sneakbo is a rapper, and with “I Used To” I hope can impact a change of thought or questioning of how people live now…

“I used to waste time in jail. I used to sit back and pray for bail. I used to not write no girls. I used to bust heads in cells.”

Dabbling in and out of jail, is unfortunate for many and can be a lonely time… Crazy and wild that violence overrides the desire of communication, but violence could be a barbaric way of communicating for some, may be the only means for survival, even…  It is wonderful and evident Sneakbo’s life has strayed from this, God bless.  Sneakbo is now a father himself even, congratulations, so I am sure he must write his ol’ girl something…  xxx

“Point me to the drama…”

The first line from Stickz on his verse, sounding like a true ride or die, bro… Woah, Love it xxx

“Got a revolver, resolving the issue”

Again, in the past it seems violence was the common solution, however even then it was known that…

“…it’s a sad ting, see man wounded bad from a hand ting.”

Stickz leaves us with a message to inspire the youth to get cooking on a British favourite, some realness and the recommendation of

“…If you want beef go and put some heart in. Yeah, the opps are jarring, soon catch chilli con carn”

This sounds like an ethos to the streets, or road code as some call it… no licence needed but a lot of “heart” to pass. It’s clear, the lifestyle discussed in this song is a testing one, filled with a lot of unfortunate circumstances which can shape ones perception of life as well as it’s importance, especially if one is to witness a loss, in person.  However, nonetheless it is portrayed as one to respect as some of these traits like loyalty, forming close bonds, and fighting for yourself and others, whatever it is you believe in, can make a great man.

“But think about it though, Sneakbo got far though init coming out the hood init I’m like come on init”

Well it seems Sneakbo has done good enough to get a decent director, though his early work so cinematic, showing his vision for the future.

Mollana Burke does a wonderful job with the “I Used To”, making use of range of shots.

I love in the beginning the camera moves from the sky, as it covers all the men included in the heist. The men look like a representation of the range of people that could empathise with the lyrics, as well as highlighting a target demographic of young men, that could learn from this song.



I look forward to the album releasing in JUST A FEW HOURS!!! I have my signed copy on the way, I cannot wait to play “Oh La La” another hit off the album, already out now! Xxx

 BARBIIE BARTER LTD. EST 2020

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