Albany, New York, has long been known for its gritty street stories, but very few artists capture the unfiltered reality of the city the way Notes and Albany Lou do in their new collaboration, “Pablo.”
Coming straight from one of the most dangerous corners of New York State, this duo represents a level of authenticity that’s hard to find in today’s rap game. Where most artists show off the surface of “hood life,” Notes and Lou dig deeper—shedding light on the struggles of poverty, the scars of drug addiction, and the unforgiving landscape of the inner city.
For Notes, the track is more than music—it’s personal testimony. Raised in the Arbor Hill neighborhood, he grew up surrounded by poverty and chaos. Much of his life was spent behind bars, but through it all, his pen stayed sharp. Now free, Notes is channeling his pain, survival, and perspective into his art, positioning himself as a street poet with a voice that demands to be heard.
Joining him on the record is Albany Lou, one of upstate New York’s most respected lyricists. Known for his rugged delivery and raw authenticity, Lou adds an edge to “Pablo” that perfectly complements Notes’ storytelling. The chemistry is undeniable—two artists with lived experience painting vivid pictures of the streets they come from.
The video for “Pablo” (watch here: YouTube Link) adds even more weight to the song, illustrating the harsh realities they describe. It’s not glamorized, it’s not sugarcoated—it’s the truth, and that’s what makes it powerful.
With “Pablo,” Notes proves he’s stepping into his purpose, while Albany Lou continues to cement his place as one of the region’s top voices. Together, they’ve crafted something that feels less like entertainment and more like documentation—a snapshot of survival and resilience from Albany’s streets.