Abi & Alan – “Before the World Blows” review

Abi & Alan are a superduo consisting of Dallas, Texas singer/songwriter, producer, DJ & actress Erykah Badualongside Beverly Hills, California producer, DJ & emcee The Alchemist. One of whom because the Queen of Neo-Soul off Baduizm & Mama’s Gun while the other is one of my top 10 producers of all-time. They haven’t worked directly with one another until now, but Badu’s independent debut following Control Freaq Records’ new distribution deal with Young Recordings coming in the form of their full-length studio debut was a more than welcoming celebration of her freedom from Motown Records.

“Echos” begins with a powerful ode to black resilience over this hypnotic instrumental backing her whereas “I Just Play a Part” featuring Creole Princess continues the atmospheric soundscapes so both of them can discuss being who others wish they were. “Crossfade” gives off a smoky neo-soul vibe singing for this guy to no longer seek love from her just before the 2nd single “Witch Doctor” blends neo-soul with psychedelic soul, progressive soul, tribal ambient & bend-skin to portray herself as a natural healer.

D.R.A.M. appears on “Valentine” describing a woman who’s attracted to a fuckboy in disguise until the lead single “Next 2 U” samples “The Realest” by Mobb Deep featuring Kool G Rap which a lot of people hated even though I didn’t seem to care because Uncle Al produced that too. “Love Me Not” lusciously comes through asking her partner if their relationship was a game to him while “Breezy” reaches the halfway point describing a lady who enjoys parting by herself.

“To the Moon / Plan C” featuring Steve Lacy after the “Abracadabra” interlude kicks off the 2nd leg with an astonishing 2-parter finding 2 lovers settling down since life will always come by quickly while “They Ain’t You” pretty much sings about sticking out amongst the other fish in the sea. “What the People Say (Apostle 1)” hops over a colorful boom bap beat dismissing whatever opinions others hold regarding her while “Hot BiBi (Apostle 2)” picks up where the previous track left off raising the pitch of her voice for a couple minutes.

Westside Gunn pops out during “No I.D.” shouting out the Chicago veteran himself, his mentee Ye formerly known as Kanye West, Pharrell, the late J Dilla, DJ Premier & Dr. Dre in case neither of them can get a hold of Uncle Al while “I Know That Man” by Earl Sweatshirt talks about desiring to be seen as good in the eyes of that which created us. “Black Box” sends off up Before the World Blows with this jazzy closer taking a spoken word approach in terms of delivery.

Originally announced last summer, Abi & Alan finally make up for the delays their debut suffered because of their initial distribution deal with EMPIRE falling apart uniting 2 of the greatest in their friends for the first time ever making some of the most potent R&B music of 2026. Alchemist’s production fuses neo-soul, hip hop, conscious hip hop, psychedelic soul, progressive soul, tribal ambient & bend-skin contemplating which parts of ourselves & our stories are worth protecting Before the World Blows.

Score: 4.5/5

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Prince – “Timeless” review

Prince was a 57 year old singer/songwriter, musician, producer, dancer, actor & filmmaker from Minneapolis, Minnesota known for pioneering the Minneapolis sound. Dirty Mind, 1999, the soundtrack to his theatrical debut Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day & Sign “☮︎” the Times under Warner Records would all become some of the 80’s most celebrated material although The Gold Experience through his own label NPG Records can certainly hang with them. This spring marked a whole decade already since his passing & his estate has dug up his 2nd posthumous solo LP albeit the 42nd in his deeply massive discography succeeding Welcome 2 America.

“I Am You” opens up with this soulfully funky intro interestingly dating back to the For You sessions pleading for his lover to stay whereas “Heaven” comes through with an Around the World in a Day outtake singing about the pearly gates coming to Earth itself. “I Wonder” was recorded around the same time as the soundtrack to Batman & the soundtrack to Graffiti Bridge respectively pondering if this woman really knows how much he loves her while “With This Tear” covers the Céline Dion track of the same name.

Kicking off the 2nd half, “Stone” keeps it funky asking who can say why he & this woman are cold with nothing left just before “Calabama” predates the n•e•w•s sessions for a disco/pop rap crossover having all the ladies clapping their hands. “The Guilty Ones” embraces a funk rock direction singing about winning people over without having to say a single word while “Bestest Friend” sends off Timeless addressing someone he once considered an extremely close ally, proclaiming every painter needs a muse.

Timeless retains the same lasting power Welcome 2 America had showcasing the extraordinary consistency, curiosity & creative ambition that defined Prince’s work throughout his life tracing his remarkable artistic evolution across nearly 4 decades from his teenage prodigy days to one of his last recorded performances. Neither Piano & a Microphone 1983 or Originals count as posthumous albums since both of those were comprised of demos, but this 2nd rare opportunity of hearing previously unheard chapters of his creative journey makes you miss him more varying between pop rock, contemporary R&B, funk rock, synth funk, dance-pop & none other than the Minneapolis sound.

Score: 3.5/5

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Majid Jordan – “2 Roads” review

Toronto, Ontario, Canada alternative R&B duo Majid Jordan consisting of singer Majid Al Maskati & producer Jordan Ullman are back for their 5th studio LP. Forming in 2011, it wasn’t until a couple years later when 40 signed them to OVO Sound & was featured on their mentor Drake’s hit single “Hold On, We’re Going Home”. Their 2nd extended play A Place Like This stood tall as the best project in their catalog until their previous full-length Good People dropped in the fall of 2023, finding them stuck between 2 Roads hours after former 2-time TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champion Maggie Lee became the inaugural TNA Knockouts Television Champion in Brampton.

“Have I Gone Too Far?” made for a cloudy alternative R&B intro singing about a woman giving Majid a broken heart in exchange for more than love whereas “Cold” blends PBR&B with synthpop demanding an answer regarding why he feels so alone. “Strangers” moodily sings about a couple being newcomers to each other in an alternate universe “Rich Man” expresses the desire of living in a crazy world & being in this woman’s arms makes him feel wealthy.

Continuing from there, “Rather Be with You” sings about wanting to cancel his plans & become a better man with his soulmate by his side just before “See You Again” goes for a more standard alternative R&B vibe promising to do anything to see this woman smiling again. “Dream” sings about only wanting what’s best for him & his lover leading into “Best Behaviour” featuring Clementine Douglas kicking off the 2nd half with a duet depicting a couple surrounding each other.

“Things Just Feel Better” maintains an atmospheric tone singing about everything improving around Majid when his partner’s around him while “The Reason” dabbles with trap soul letting this female know she’s exactly why he popped out for the evening. “Look What You’ve Done” confronts a girl who he believes is the cause of making him lose his entire sense of self while “Island Time” sings about making love in the evening like it’s all they know although I was disappointed at Naomi Sharon doing background vocals instead of having a verse.

The song “Every Last Bit of My Love” pens an open letter to someone he’s missing more & more by the day sending her all the affection he has in his might to make her feel like he’s there with her while “Thank You” sings about the gratitude he has for this person cherishing him, realizing this relationship was eternally meant to be. The harmoniously stripped-back title track ends 2 Roads assuring the limits you can bear & how to persevere will be learned sooner rather than later.

If Good People was the album Majid Jordan needed to rival the extended play they put out prior to being signed, then 2 Roads returns to the averageness that has defined a great bulk of the material they’ve made since joining the OVO roster over a decade earlier. Jordan Ullman’s production incorporates secondary influences of synthpop along with new jack swing & soft rock into the pairing’s signature alternative R&B sound with Majid Al Maskati either relishing in infatuation or wallowing in heartache.

Score: 3/5

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Alex Warren – “Wildchild” review

Alex Warren is a 25 year old singer/songwriter, YouTuber & influencer from Carlsbad, California known for co-founding the Hype House collective of TikTokers. He eventually signed to with Atlantic Records in 2022 & wouldn’t drop his double full-length studio debut You’ll Be Alright, Kid until last summer. One of the most unpleasant listening experiences I had the previous year despite the hit single “Ordinary” embodying what the Billboard charts have become, so him coming back 13 months later for a sophomore effort until the beginning of fall next month unsurprisingly doesn’t raise my expectations or had me expecting a whole lot outta it.

“Emerald Eyes” experiments with disco to kick things off singing about hopes of this woman never letting him go whereas “Same Stars” hooks up some pianos asking “How the same stars over my head are the same stars from the night that you left?”. The 3rd single “Passenger” falls flat at a pop rock, dance-pop & new wave cut describing the feeling of helplessness in a 1-sided relationship just before the final single “Rescuer” blends alt-pop & folk pop thanking this female for pulling him out of an emotional darkness.

We get hints of gospel on “Cry Wolf” singing about a fire igniting in his veins whenever he hears someone mentioning an ex-girlfriend who wound up hurting him while the 2nd single “Fine Place to Die” depicts the apocalypse mixing adult contemporary & pop soul. After the “Are You Having Fun, Alex?” skit, “I Miss You More” sings about an individual in his life who’s been away for some time & pondering the idea of fathering a girl while “Only Thing Left” assures his partner they’re out of fight instead of love.

“Fever Dream” weakly fuses pop rock, pop soul & stomp & holler for a lead single inspired by his wife while “Won’t Go Back Again” emphasizes the stomp & holler elements singing about being done with setting himself on fire for the sole purpose of keeping others up. “Last Time” has somewhat of an Americana flare to it wishing he would’ve sooner realized he’d see this person for the very last time & the title track ends Wildchild singing about not letting this cruel world take our light away.

In a way, I can actually commend Alex Warren for experimenting a lot more throughout his 2nd album than his debut did regardless of me liking it no better or worse than what he dropped 13 months earlier. The adult contemporary, pop rock, dance-pop, stomp & holler, new wave, disco, gospel, alt-pop & folk pop production’s somehow more uninteresting than You’ll Be Alright, Kid & the songwriting still doesn’t do much of captivating me despite him trying to turn up the intimacy in his music.

Score: 1/5

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Lex Walton – “Ultimate Love Forever” review

This is the 9th studio LP from Pleasant Hill, California singer/songwriter & actress Lex Walton. In almost a decade, she has dropped a total of 8 full-lengths & 4 extended plays including the Shame Music series as well as Girlfriends & most notably I Want You to Kill Me. I was however interested in learning that Ultimate Love Forever would reach the same pedestal the previously mentioned album did upon learning she had signed to the prominent Seattle, Washington indie label Sub Pop Records after her apartment had tragically burned down.

“For Thee I Sing” begins with this slacker rock intro interpolating “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” Samuel Francis Smith & discussing the US enacting fascist overreach whereas “Hipster Runoff” gives off a garage rock revival vibe critiquing Gavin McInnes. “Yr Op-Ed Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore” includes an insane guitar solo towards the end after downing some bourbon while “USA = Fag Nation” suggests the world would be a better place if different people got shot.

Continuing the 2nd half of Ultimate Love Forever, the song “I Wish I Was an M80” sings about alienation blending slacker rock with indietronica & power pop while the lo-fi singer/songwriter crossover “Adrian Borland Will Have His Revenge on London” confesses she was on the verge of death when writing this. The title track properly concludes Ultimate Love Forever singing about the only thing she wants being a kind of affection that would last eternally.

I Want You to Kill Me still remains the most groundbreaking statement in Lex Walton’s decade-long career, but her Sub Pop debut Ultimate Love Forever will certainly appeal to fans of Jonathan Richman’s early material with The Modern Lovers from the mid-70s to late 80s or either one of the 2 extended plays Dollhouse have put out this decade. The slacker rock, noise pop, power pop, garage rock revival, noise rock, singer/songwriter & dance-punk revival production basically providing commentary on society’s decay from the perspective of a transgender woman living in a transphobic America.

Score: 4/5

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Busta Rhymes – “Dillagence II” review

This is the long-delayed 12th studio LP from Brooklyn, New York emcee, songwriter, producer & actor Busta Rhymes. A member of the Leaders of the New School, he would go on to turn heads in the spring of ‘92 off the strength of his verse on “Scenario” off of A Tribe Called Quest’s flawless sophomore effort The Low End Theory. The dragon would see greater success as a solo artist with full-lengths like The Coming, When Disaster Strikes…, E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front, Anarchy, Genesis & The Big Bang. However when E.L.E. 2 (Extinction Level Event 2): The Wrath of God dropped Devil’s Night 2020, it would find Busta returning to form considering the mixed to subpar reception of B.O.M.B.S. (Back On My Bullshit) & the panned Year of the Dragon backed by Cash Money Records. Blockbusta preluded by The Fuse is Lit were both treated to mixed-to-negative responses, looking to redeem himself with Dillagence II.

After the “Ma Dukes Speak Again” intro, “How the Boss Will Deliver” opens up with a ferocious 81 second freestyle preceding “Entry” featuring La Reezy joining forces over a boom bap instrumental laughing off the dummies going up against them. The lead single “Spazzz” co-produced by Black Milk & Kev Brown splits itself in 3 different sections for more hardcore penmanship while “Back Pain, Chest Pain, Head Pain” climbs another mountain in the midst of traumatizing people.

“Royalty” featuring Cie & Trillian finds the trio talking about there never being another version of either of them over a colorful boom bap beat just before the subdued “This Woman” featuring a hook from the late D’Angelo takes a more romantic approach conceptually & does it without sounding forced. “Shoo” returns to the boom bap tellin’ all these wack rappers they straight up need to get the fuck out the culture leading into the soulfully jazzy “Drugs” solely produced by Karriem Riggins likens his music to that of an addictive substance.

After the “Story of the Old Man” interlude, “Run ‘Em Down” gets the 2nd half going reminding the world who he is while “Lay Down” featuring T3 has him & Busta in their energetic hardcore bag together. “Wait 4 U” featuring Big Sean & Honey Bxby gets back on the pop rap tip although it’s one of the weaker tracks in the few exploring that style while “Kingpin (Knock Ya Head Off) featuring Anderson .Paak & Ludacris necessarily turns the aggressiveness back up.

“How You Want It” winds down the final act of Dillagence II making sure everything remains raw both lyrically & instrumentally while “Love & War” featuring Talib Kweli freestyles over “I Must Love You” by Guilty Simpson off his 2008 debut Ode to the Ghetto. The 2nd & final single “Talk Shit”featuring Lil Wayne samples “I Know You Got Soul”by Bobby Byrd featuring James Brown for a superior “Nirvana (Hello)” remix while “What We Got in Common” featuring Common preceding the “Ma Dukes & J Dilla’s Closing Word” outro wraps it all up with a 6 & a half minute closer.

Confirming the rumors of J Dilla giving Busta Rhymes over 300 beats prior to his passing, I’m happy he makes up for the excessive commercialization that made Blockbusta so disappointing & his sequel to the Dillagence mixtape would be placed above it’s predecessor for the best in the series in addition to being a step in the right direction for him like E.L.E. 2 (Extinction Level Event 2): The Wrath of God was 6 years earlier. He’s not trying too hard to appeal to a younger crowd like the previous album did, having a more consistent guest list joining him to bring their A-game over Dilla production.

Score: 4/5

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Stella Lefty – “Long Way Push” review

Stella Lefty is a 24 year old country pop singer/songwriter from Winnetka, Illinois who happens to be the daughter of Groupon co-founder & Tempus AI CEO Eric Lefkofsky. She would eventually begin exploring a music career when her debut extended play last summer Tragic, Really last summer preceding a debut single the year earlier, but the lead single to this full-length studio debut “Boston” quickly became her breakout single this past spring following “The Kill” for the Scream VII soundtrack & signing with Atlantic Records to give Long Way Push wider exposure.

“Lean In, Kiss Me” sets the tone with this bland country pop intro singing for her lover to make out with here whereas “Whiskey” as somebody who enjoys the alcoholic beverage feels heavily reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s earliest material 2 decades ago to the point where it gets annoying. “Thinking ‘Bout You” delivers a middle of the road singer/songwriter track singing about getting intimate with her partner while “Ain’t Something I Do” goes country pop again confessing she’s falling for someone.

“Forever Guy” shifts away from country pop in favor of singer/songwriter again asking why she cries over a man who wasn’t meant to be in her life forever & once “Something to Lose” featuring Vincent Mason unites for an underwhelming lovey dovey country pop/pop rock duet, “Good at Leaving” emphasizes the country pop elements singing about being a product of too many heartbreaks.

The singer/songwriter-tinged “Summer You Were Mine” suggests they call it a fling for a reason after a relationship went cold with the seasons wishing things never changed between them while “Feel Better” asks herself when she’ll get out of this rut she’s in, which I can respectfully answer by saying if she makes any artistic evolution down the road. This derivatively uneventful debut at last finished with “Why Wouldn’t We?”, where Stella gives us 1 last Taylor Swift-esque country pop song making corny comparisons like being the laugh to my jokes or the lighter to your smokes.

Former commentator/in-ring performer for the WME Group-owned TKO Group Holdings division WWE, analyst for ESPN’s College GameDay, host of The Pat McAfee Show also on ESPN & former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee still holds the bragging rights of having the absolute worst country album of 2026 when The Diary of a Polarizing Figure came out the week earlier & if I had to pick a close 2nd, Stella Lefty already reserved her spot with Long Way Push. The production’s obviously more country pop & singer/songwriter influenced than the bro-country subgenre McAfee embraced, yet there isn’t really anything special to me regarding her vocals & songwriting. Blatant industry plant/nepo baby ordeal on Atlantic’s part.

Score: 1/5

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Devil’s Trident – Self-Titled review

Devil’s Trident is a supergroup consisting of Lyrikal Snuff Productionz founder Scum from Denver, Colorado as well as Los Angeles, California horrorcore pioneer Insane Poetry & Albuquerque, New Mexico recording artist Smallz 1. All 3 of whom have a history with each other from M.M.M.F.D. to S.O.S., so it was only a matter of time they made their eponymous debut to coincide with the LSP roster performing at the 26th annual Gathering of the Juggalos this weekend coinciding Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW)’s 19th annual Bloodymania pay-per-view event later tonight.

“Hard Check” opens up with a synth-driven boom bap beat talking about motherfuckers not knowing shit whereas “Bend the Knee” gives off a g-funk vibe instrumentally demanding the respect they deserve. “Real Nice” finds the trio bloodcurdlingly getting on their Snuff shit promising they’ll carve ya ass up just before “Buried” continues talking about not socializing unless it’s with fans after performances & representing Team Snuff.

The rap rock-tinged “We Are” continues the 2nd half of the LP having all 3 members of Devil’s Trident hellishly proclaiming themselves to be sinners prior to “Omnicide” talking about the destruction of human life as we know it over a string-woven beat. “Bad Seed” shifts towards a trap direction thanks to Gibby Stites discussing the very origin of bad fruit leading into the title track blending horrorcore lyricism with the g-funk sound once again hoping to replace the crucifix.

“Fresh Meat” winds down the last few moments of DT’s self-titled debut talking about the corpses of those who were recently murdered incorporating some distinct bongos & handclaps while “It Could Be You” impressively displays everyone speeding up their flows treading the trap waters once again including more synths. “Killing Spree 2026” appropriately concludes the album with a sequel to when all 3 of them appeared on Butcher Brothaz & one that feels like a full circle moment.

Making a proper introduction on “Devil’s Trident” off M.M.M.F.D.’s most recent album Horrorcore the previous year, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with the Gore Hop imprint that this day would come & what better than the eve of The Outbreak becoming 2-time JCW World Juggalo Tag Team Champions in addition to a both factions who’ve previously held those very same tag titles the Juggalo World Order (jWo) facing Luciano Family Enterprises in Gore Games.

Score: 3.5/5

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The Game – “The Documentary III” review

New surprise LP & the 11th overall from Compton, California emcee, songwriter, actor & professional attention whore The Game. Originally taken under the wing of JT the Bigga Figga, his 2002 debut mixtape You Know What It Is would catch the attention of Dr. Dre & 50 Cent. Both of whom signed Game to a joint venture to their individually respective labels Aftermath Entertainment & G-Unit Records, distributed by Interscope Records. With their help, his debut album The Documentary the following year would go on to become a West Coast essential. However, a falling out between Game & 50 just months after the album’s release would result in Game moving over to Geffen Records to complete his 5-album contract. His next 4 albums Dr.’s Advocate, LAX, The RE.D. (RE-Dedication) Album & Je5us PiecE all showed that Game didn’t need Dre or 50 to make quality music. Once fulfilling his major label obligations, he went the independent route by founding his own label Numinati Records & showcasing the artists with a compilation entitled Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf in 2014. Game then put out an overloaded yet decent sequel to his debut with The Documentary 2+2.5 the next year as well as 1992 the year after & Born 2 Rap on his 40th birthday. Hit-Boy helped him come out of “retirement” again with the more consistent Drillmatic: Heart vs. Mind, although it was DONDA levels of bloated. Every Movie Needs a Trailer produced by Mike & Keys was honestly pretty great considering the lesser amount of filler Drillmatic had & the time for The Documentary III has arrived.

“Geezus” produced by London on da Track opens up saying “when you from the westside, you ain’t gotta pick sides” when a majority of the west coast would disagree whereas “Love It or Hate It” featuring WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg comes through with a “Hate It or Love It” sequel where Cool & Dre are sampling “What You Won’t Do for Love” by Bobby Caldwell. “Steppers” featuring Lil Wayne includes the witty line “Got ice on my neck, but I’m still yellin’ out “Fuck ICE” 1 time for my vatos” over a jazzy trap beat from Bangladesh just before “The Life” warning these rats they’re all food.

Lit Papi & RJfrmLA both appear on the disappointing gangsta celebration “Scary Times” prior to Mike & Keys bouncing back with “20 Deep” from the sampling to the improved consistency regarding the performances. I can appreciate “No Brakes” instrumentally experimenting with hyphy even if he’s ass-kissing Drake looking for all the smoke with no intentions of slowing down while “Sticks” talks about the gangsta life over a drumless piano.

“Geekin’” featuring the late Drakeo the Ruler discusses both of them doing hoodrat shit with their friends leading into “40 Deep” featuring Ye formerly known as Kanye West linking up for a sequel to “Crack Music” off the latter’s sophomore effort Late Registration containing an awkward bar referring to Ye’s antisemitism controversy. “Do You Love Me?” soulfully responds to people claiming they appreciate him when he doesn’t think that’s the case while “Run It Up” featuring Leon Thomas III ends the 1st half on a decent pop rap note.

Cloud rap, trap & alternative R&B collide during “Party at Game’s” featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR not doing the romantic themes any better than the previous joint until “Baby” featuring Armonie Jay & Kalan.FrFr butchers a sample of the Ashanti single of the same name. “In the Way” featuring RJmrLA & Tyga treads the hyphy waters once again for annoyingly sexual subject matter while “The Part” featuring Lefty Gunplay & YG gets on some jazzy west coast gangsta shit.

“Hella” featuring E-40 & RJmrLA moderately talks about taking a bunch of whips & cash despite 40 going harder than RJ even if he & Game are sharing the opening verse while “Nothing 2 Hide” eerily lets the world see him for the gangsta he’s always been. “LA Monster” samples an unreleased song Ye recorded for Jesus is King with A$AP Ferg back in 2019 to take a pathetic jab at Kendrick Lamar while “Meet the Parents” manically talks about not asking for this shit over a somber Conductor Williams beat.

Statik Selektah puts a more soulful boom bap spin onto “The Pen” talking about his lyricism being unstoppable while “The Cookout” featuring Larry June provides a west coast barbecue anthem Sndtrak & Beat Butcha cooked up together. “I Won’t Be Afraid” featuring Black Thought chops up “Cherish the Day” by Sade talking about having no fear of death while “Game Recognize Game” drumlessly finishes The Documentary III calls for the attention of all saints & sinners.

Putting what criticisms I had for The Documentary 2+2.5 aside, I wouldn’t have imagined The Documentary III dethroning it to become my new least favorite chapter of the entire trilogy although I’d say I’m largely on the fence with it than I was with either Drillmatic: Heart vs. Mind or Every Movie Needs a Trailer. His skills can never be taken away from him, yet I don’t consider that an excuse for him to make it nearly an hour & a half long or overload it with an excessive amount of guest appearances who don’t always knock it out of the park.

Score: 3/5

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Payroll Giovanni – “M.O.B. (Mind my Own Business)” review

Detroit, Michigan rapper Payroll Giovanni self-producing his 15th studio LP. Notable for being a part of the Doughboyz Cashout collective, he also released over a dozen solo albums with the most notable being Big Bossin’ as well as Big Bossin’ 2 & Another Day, Another Dollar all fully produced by Cardo. Last time I covered him was when he self-produced Have Money, Have Heart a couple years ago & that was the most I’ve enjoyed his music since Giovanni’s Way, which didn’t wane any anticipation I had for M.O.B. (Mind my Own Business).

The title track opens up with some otherworldly synthesizers talking about leaving any conversation that doesn’t involve money whereas the only single “Puppies” recalls a situation occurring a long time ago where he tried to help someone only for said person to foolishly try robbing him. “No” talks about being up more these days after staying down for so long declining those who want something outta him while the west coast-tinged “Locked In” maintains his focus.

“Cash Tall” moves on from there embracing the Detroit sound to discuss keeping his circle small & his money in large amounts while the Mobb-influenced “Enough” ends the 1st leg of M.O.B. (Mind my Own Business) about having his share of days where he wasn’t making as much money as he would’ve hoped to. “Rollie wit Baguettes” gets the 2nd half going incorporating more synths talking about what happens when listening to Payroll’s music just before “On the Flo” breaks down going from the streets to riches.

The song “Point of View” talks about his perspective always being on a woman he’s romantically involved with, encouraging her to hop in his whip asking whether she wants to know anything or do something while “Bosses in the Clouds” discusses staying prayed up handling his own business. “New Levels” though spends M.O.B. (Mind my Own Business)’s final minutes talking about being in the season of his life where he can’t settle.

Getting sick of producer/artist agreements & paying lawyer fees, Payroll Giovanni had all the right reasons to solely create M.O.B. (Mind my Own Business) & I can certainly see myself coming back to it more than Hustle Muzik or If Not Me Then Who?. His production’s gotten better since 2024 & hearing it will prelude another full-length the Detroit trap veteran’s preparing within the next coming months has me hoping he’ll continue capitalizing on his artistic deftness.

Score: 4/5

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