“Suburban Thingz” – A Refreshing Ode to Everyday Life from College Chronicles Vol. 1
College Chronicles Vol. 1 is shaping up to be one of the most eclectic and honest mixtapes of the year, and its breakout single, “Suburban Thingz,” proves exactly why. Crafted in early 2024, this laid-back track stands out not by trying to be the hardest, loudest, or most lyrically complex song in the room—but by embracing the charm of simplicity.
Produced by Jah-Sun Collier himself, “Suburban Thingz” opens with a mid-tempo drum pattern and deep sub bass that lay the foundation for soft piano chords and subtle melodic accents. The beat is intentionally stripped-down, reflecting the theme at the heart of the song: suburban life.
“It’s a simple song because suburban life, in my experience, is simple—and that’s okay,” Jah-Sun Collier explains. “It’s fun. It’s relaxed. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. I wanted to create a track that celebrates that, and that contrasts the gangsta lifestyle that’s so often promoted in mainstream rap.”
Featuring a standout verse from collaborator RewB, the track thrives on its chemistry. While Jah-Sun Collieris quick to admit RewB “bodied” the verse—highlighting a now-iconic “Quincy” line that locals in Aurora, Colorado will instantly recognize—their partnership is a testament to a shared musical upbringing rooted in realness, humor, and community.
“Suburban Thingz” isn’t just a song—it’s a personal anthem. It encapsulates the artist’s upbringing and his love for a lesser-known corner of hip-hop: nerdcore. “There’s more to rap than just being hard or tough. I love Dre and Snoop as much as anyone, but rap has flavors like ice cream—nerdcore is just one of them, and I think it deserves more shine.”
As track 2 on College Chronicles Vol. 1, “Suburban Thingz” sets the tone for a project full of character, diversity, and authenticity. While available as a single, Jah-Sun Collier encourages listeners to experience it in the context of the full mixtape. “It’s a fantastic track, one of the best I’ve made. But it hits even harder when you hear it alongside everything else I’ve built around it.”
College Chronicles Vol. 1 is available now on all major streaming platforms, with a SoundCloud release slated before the end of the month. Listeners are encouraged to search by the artist’s full name to ensure they find the correct version, as other similarly titled projects exist—but, as the artist notes with a wink, “This article isn’t about them. It’s about me.”
