Independent hip-hop artist Baron Von Alias has teamed with veteran rappers Keith Murray and Tash of Tha Alkaholiks for “Lost In Translation,” a new single blending West Coast-inspired production with reflections on longevity and change in hip-hop.
Released Sept. 4 on major streaming platforms, the track was produced by Steesh and features a heavy West Coast bounce, talkbox vocals, and turntable cuts from DJ A.D.S.
Keith Murray opens the song with a nod to The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Going Back to Cali,” reinforcing the track’s nostalgic feel. Tash, best known as a member of the Los Angeles hip-hop group Tha Alkaholiks, also delivers a guest verse.
For Baron Von Alias, the collaboration was designed to connect different eras of hip-hop while preserving the genre’s core elements.
“The West Coast energy Steesh brought to the production immediately demanded something classic,” Baron Von Alias said. “Having icons like Keith Murray and Tash jump on the verses, combined with DJ A.D.S. bringing back those fundamental cutting skills, really locked in the vision.”
The title “Lost In Translation” carries a dual meaning. The song explores how words and conversations can become misunderstood in modern life, while also serving as a metaphor for artists trying to navigate changes in music, technology, and audience tastes.
“We wanted to tackle that feeling of being caught between eras, where you risk getting lost in the shuffle if you don’t stay true to the craft while evolving,” Baron Von Alias said.
Keith Murray rose to prominence in the 1990s through his solo career and work with Def Squad, while Tash became known for his work with Tha Alkaholiks, a group closely associated with the West Coast’s alternative hip-hop scene.
“Lost In Translation” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major digital streaming services.
