It’s been far too long since I’ve had the pleasure of writing about new material from twogeebs. This guy truly is a writing wizard—always whipping up something inventive at lightning speed, and we’re never short on awesome content when it comes to him. Here we are in 2025, along with SPGBamm, he drops a brand new record titled Garden Hate. The title might ring a bell if you’re wondering whether it has anything to do with the Jersey vibe—and it absolutely does. It’s a concept album that encapsulates the atmosphere of a certain kind of disdain that lingers over New Jersey, while also capturing the general essence of that unmistakable East Coast spirit, which, it tackles about how those spirits can be low.
One of the standout aspects of this release is that it marks the first time since 2021 that there’s no feature present. But it’s not just about the absence of a guest spot, the music itself is packed with absolute bangers that reaffirm twogeebs’ skill in creating memorable tracks. It is yet another album that challenge you to dig a little deeper each time you listen. Which is something I’ve always been a fan of when it comes to geebs.
What I love the most about his work is the clever, multilayered wordplay woven into the lyrics. If you don’t take a moment to listen carefully or analyze the lines, you might miss one of the many pop culture references or hints of creative writing embedded throughout. There’s a richness to his music where so many layers that make each track feel like a new discovery every time I revisit it. Sometimes, it starts off with a nod to a pop culture moment that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Even though I might miss a reference here or there, the thrill is in the hunt, and each find adds another cool piece to the puzzle.
I often find myself returning to his tracks not just to chill and vibe, but to see if I can catch any new insights or references I hadn’t noticed before. That element of rediscovery is a huge part of what makes his work in general so compelling. It feels like every time I press play, there’s something new to appreciate—a fresh perspective or a clever twist tucked into the lyrics. And considering the subject matter about Jersey and that distinct East Coast edge, I’m already looking that there might be a few hidden references that speak directly to the local flavor. All in all, I’m looking forward to looking into Garden Hate and sharing my thoughts on every aspect of the references I do find.
“99 Away” kicks off with that unmistakable nod to the infamous line from Child’s Play, “You think I’m scared to go to hell, I’m from Jersey.” This reference not only grabs your attention but also sets the stage by addressing issues of defiance and the gritty reality of life on the East Coast. It’s a smart way to open the track, instantly tying in the album’s thematic undertones with a bit of local flair.
The arrangement itself exudes a cool, smooth, and sort of classy vibe. There’s a refined quality in the production that hits you with a sophisticated tone. The number “99” isn’t arbitrary either, it’s a direct reference to the creative process behind the lyrics. How twogeebs actually wrote 100 lines, ultimately selecting 1 out of the 99 as to show all the work that goes into his music. This detail speaks volumes about his meticulous approach to songwriting and showcases his talent as an incredible lyricist. It makes you pause and wonder about the evolution of the song. The alpha version, the beta cut, and all the shifts that occurred along the way. One can only imagine the wealth of unreleased material that might reveal even more about his journey.
As the track continues, the lyrics transition into a vivid commentary on human ingratitude, spotlighting the general disdain that pervades the city, from the palpable hatred in the air to even the litter scattered on the streets. There’s also a segment that paints a picture of life as a shark in waters teeming with piranhas. A nice metaphor that captures the harsh realities of existence there. This story is executed with such precision that it feels like a mini exposé on survival in a challenging environment.
“Past Times” kicks off by taking us back to early childhood, where life was rough and you were practically thrown into a tank full of piranhas from a very young age. The track talks about early adolescence, offering a look into how challenging those formative years could be. It provides a glimpse into the realities of growing up in an environment where danger and uncertainty were constant companions for geebs.
There’s a clever moment when he injects a bit of humor about eventually moving to the suburbs. That line, delivered with an authenticity that only true lived experience can bring, makes you smile despite the harshness of the early story. It captures the stark contrast between the chaos of youth and the seemingly mundane, a transition that feels as natural as it is ironic.
As the song progresses, it shifts into what’s referred to as the circuit verse, where the story dives back into the brutal realities of the past. One line stands out with its shock value, as it describes the jarring moment of discovering that people you once thought were gone, or even friends you believed had disappeared, were, in fact, still around. That revelation is as brutal as it really made me think, hitting home with its unflinching portrayal of life at that age for him.
Then there’s the hook, which serves as both the main refrain and the closing note of the track. Here, the delivery softens just enough to allow a transition into a singing voice that adds a melodic layer to the overall track. I have to say, his singing voice is melodic, catchy, and delivered with a warmth that contrasts beautifully with the track’s heavier elements. It’s a moment that highlights the duality of the song. The unvarnished brutality of growing up, paired with a touch of carefree charm almost. And my gosh, geebs has a really great singing voice.
Listening to “Past Times” feels like flipping through a personal photo album of life’s more challenging chapters, each snapshot revealing so many layers of complexity and growth. He has this ability to encapsulate the multifaceted experience of youth, capturing the struggle.
“Don’t Prat 4 Me” showcases that brilliant songwriting once again. The track is backed by a symphonic feel, with strings that add a distinctive sound to the track. It comes off as a track that speaks to times can be tough—when faced with a constant barrage of negativity and unwelcome opinions, the message is clear, ‘I don’t need your sympathy.’
There’s even a shout-out to the New Jersey drones referencing recent news that really anchors the track in its current cultural context. The pop culture nods here are plentiful, culminating in a memorable reference to the Truman Show that gave me a genuine “a-ha” moment. That particular line hit home, and help me get a better understanding of the lyrics and what he’s going through and talking about. No matter where you’re from, the songwriting is so intricately crafted that you’ll find a way to relate to it. The lyrics are deeply personal yet manage to connect on a broader level. The flow throughout the track picks up with additional references, and the track touches on the harsh realities of daily life.
Despite the weight of these issues, the song maintains its focus on his personal journey, moving on day by day, keeping to himself like a lone wolf.
“Jersey Jersey” opens up with a smooth horn that sets a laid-back, almost jazz-inflected vibe. The track features a rapid-fire flow that delivers a slew of well-placed references, painting a picture of Jersey through a lens that balances the dualities of love and disdain. There’s an undeniable yin and yang at work here, even though many aspects of Jersey may seem less than ideal, there’s also a deep, intrinsic appreciation for it as home.
Speaking to this imperfection, coupled with that enduring sense of belonging, comes through strongly in the lyrics. One standout moment is a line that speaks to the feeling of being trapped in one’s own bubble that the city has on him. A sentiment many can identify with. It captures that struggle of wanting to break free, yet somehow being drawn back, much like the classic tale of the prodigal son returning home to a certain degree. Except in this circumstance, you’re not paying for your sins, you’re just seeing sin flying in front of you left and right.
“I Don’t Like Jersey” lives up to its blunt title by getting into the pervasive negativity that spreads around us, making it increasingly hard to count on someone’s support. This track takes a look at all the gloom and criticism that seems to fill the air, tackling the subject with a straightforward approach. There’s a great bar in the song that compares how people are treated to being “done dirty, as dirty as the air that they breathe.” Man, that reference cuts deep and opens your eyes to the harsh realities of that environment.
“Alone In a Populated State” closes off the album with a portrayal of isolation in a world where everyone seems to be pursuing their own thing. The song captures the notion that while we might stand united in theory, in reality, many people are simply wrapped up in themselves. This is the kind of “hey, what can you do for me” mentality. It kind of reminds me of the track “If I Had No Loot” from Tony! Toni! Tone! Where there’s a great lyric of “when I need somebody there’s nobody to call, when they need me, my phone rings off the wall. Of course that’s back in a simpler time when phones were at some point connected to the wall and not in our pockets. But I digress, but it has that sort of vibe in the messaging, which is great.
The track gives this gloomy picture of the NJ streets, describing scenes of disabled veterans and people on the street who never seem to find their footing. One particularly striking line compares his own sense of insignificance to a speck of dust, a reference that is a reminder that loneliness can persist even in one of the country’s major cities like Jersey. This line, among others, cuts deep, offering a look into how isolation and self-absorption can coexist with the hustle of a populated state.
I gotta say, geebs makes some absolutely great music, and this album in particular has been really eye-opening for me. For him, this record feels like it must be a cathartic release, a way to let out all those built-up frustrations through his art. I love hearing these stories, they’re not just well told, they give you an insight into life in that area, and above all, they manage to open your eyes to the realities that often go unnoticed.
This release is an emotionally charged chapter in his catalog, and it hits hard in a way that only a true songwriter can pull off. His skill for mixing detailed storytelling with great lines reminds me why I keep coming back to his work. Every line feels personal, yet it connects on a level that makes you reflect on your own experiences.
It all goes back to his core strength as a songwriter, he’s got an insanely great ability to convey emotion and genuine insight through his lyrics and music. Another fantastic release, and what’s even better is you can pick this one up on vinyl at the following link.
