Ten years ago, Cousin Stizz released Suffolk County, the breakout mixtape that would change the trajectory of his life — and mark a defining moment in Boston hip-hop.
Released on June 1, 2015, Suffolk County arrived at a time when Boston rappers struggled to break into national conversations. Stizz’s laid-back yet deliberate delivery, local storytelling, and production choices gave the city a new voice — one that resonated far beyond its borders. A decade later, the project continues to hold weight, not only for its music, but for what it represented.
Marking the milestone, Stizz took to Instagram on the anniversary to reflect on what Suffolk County meant to him and the path it paved. “10 years ago today I shared my story w the world for the first time with a project called Suffolk County,” he wrote, alongside clips and throwback photos from that era. “It took me around the globe and back and changed my life. Thank y’all for rockin’ w me however long you been rockin’. This shit wasn’t supposed to happen for me and it did. Always believe and work hard and it can happen for you too 💪🏾🍀🍾🔟 we goin up all summer!!”
The project’s impact was immediate and widespread. Anchored by standout tracks like “Shoutout,” Suffolk County earned praise for its authenticity and replay value. With little industry infrastructure in Boston at the time, the mixtape’s organic rise — fueled by local support and viral energy — felt rare. It wasn’t long before Stizz caught the attention of listeners beyond the city.
While the project never charted, it helped lay the groundwork for Stizz’s next moves. In 2016, he followed up with MONDA, a deeply personal album dedicated to a close friend who passed away from cancer. Then came One Night Only in 2017 — his major-label debut that introduced him to a broader audience. The album’s lead single, “Headlock” featuring Offset, gave Stizz his first mainstream moment.
Ten years on, Suffolk County still gets its flowers. Boston creative DayTimeRec posted a tribute on Instagram, calling the project a cultural reset for the city and reminiscing about the energy it sparked when it first dropped — from packed shows to fans dancing to the tape in real time. “Stizz taught a lot of other rappers how to get it right,” he said.Over time, public sentiment around Stizz has shifted, but for many, Suffolk County remains a moment worth remembering — a rare case of a debut that truly reflected its city and inspired a generation in the process.
