3-Headed Monster – “Obliteration” review

The 3-Headed Monster is a horrorcore supergroup consisting of Esham, Violent J & Ouija Macc. One of them being the unholy godfather of the wicked shit founding Reel Life Productions, the other co-founded Psychopathic Records as 1/2 of the Insane Clown Posse whom the Boogey Man was once signed to from 2002-2005 & the other has become the hatchet’s biggest artist since Twiztid departed over a decade ago to form Majik Ninja Entertainment now continuing to gradually build Chapter 17 Records as a subsidiary of the label that runs beneath the streets as he’s been their only current artist other than the wicked clowns themselves since the pandemic. But as they head out on the road earlier this week fresh off Bloody Sunday & Detritus alongside the preparation of Purgatory next month, they’re announcing the formation of the trio & even unleashing a full-length debut.

After the intro, the first song “Fire Breathin’” opens things up with a hardcore hip hop anthem produced by Dead Heat advising to run from the 3-Headed Monster itself whereas “Crushin’” blends trap with rock & these grueling bells during the hook talking about squashing on all y’all motherfuckers. “Clownzilla” gives off a more suspenseful trap groove courtesy of Shaggytheairhead so J can himself the Godzilla of juggalos just before “Juggalos 4 Jesus” gives off a cloudier route thanks to Devereaux with Ouija heavily calling back to “24/7” off 4th album Closed Casket which is widely considered by suicidalists to be his best even though I’d put KKKill the Fetus above it personally.

“Don’t Sell Your Soul” switches things up with a jazzy boom bap ballad as Esham solely reminds the world to never sellout leading into “The Biggest” weaves these chilling horn melodies likening themselves to 30 gorillas referencing WCW original Giant González. “Leave That Dope Alone” is another Esham solo cut works in a soul sample with these kicks, snares & twinkling keys so he can get on his hustler shit à la Dead Flowerz that is until Violent J singlehandedly covers “Possum Kingdom” by The Toadies which really isn’t a surprise to me considering the Duke’s love for rock music. Especially with Zug Izland’s debut album Cracked Tiles turning 20 this year & that being one of the most underrated Psychopathic albums of all-time in my humble juggalo opinion.

Meanwhile, “Kiccin’ the Bass” dives into the wavy trap territory including a chopped & screwed samples of “What’s a Juggalo?” off their 1997 wicked shit masterpiece as well as this reviewer’s personal favorite Joker’s Card The Great Milenko & even “Dead Body Man” off my 2nd favorite Card Riddle Box for the hook so Ouija can shine with his own solo cut talking about being born as a corpse that they called a disgrace that is until “Shaggy Shit” pops up as a brief Shaggy 2 Dope interlude. The final song ends the album “Rubble” finds the 3-Headed Monster reuniting once more with monster movie soundtrack flips spitting that hardcore shit one more time & the Mike E. Clark remix of “Fire Breathin’” is most certainly on par with the original.

If you call yourself a fan of the wicked shit, then you’d know how much of a big deal this album is considering Esham’s influence on ICP & eventually ICP’s on Ouija. We knew they were going on tour together too, but the formation of 3-Headed Monster & Obliteration as their debut is as enjoyable as the Quest for the Ultimate Groove that Shaggs went on last weekend. Each member’s generationally distinctive styles are all well displayed & to hear their chemistry together is quite fascinating.

Score: 4/5

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Lil Durk – “Almost Healed” review

This is the 4th full-length album from Chicago, Illinois rapper Lil Durk. Rising to prominence a little over a decade ago off his debut mixtape I’m a Hitta, he would go on to follow this up with Life Ain’t No Joke & the first 2 installments of the Signed to the Streets trilogy until signing to Def Jam Recordings for his full-length debut Remember My Name & the sophomore effort Lil Durk 2X. Since then, Durk has made himself home at Alamo Records by 9 more mixtapes & is looking to bounce back from the mixed reception of 7220 due to it’s weak production yet admirably more personal subject matter in the form of Almost Healed.

After the “Therapy Session” intro, the first song “Pelle Coat” starts off the album with an mellow trap instrumental from Chopsquad DJ explaining why everyone’s scared to come outside this day in age whereas “All My Life” featuring J. Cole despite the positive message of people always trying to bring them down was a disappointing choice for a single largely due to Dr. Luke’s sanitary production. “Never Again” works in some pianos & hi-hats talking about not helping others ever again prior to “Put ‘Em on Ice” telling everyone that nobody is safe over a rich trap beat.

Chief Wuk delivers one of the weaker feature performances on “Big Dawg” as they discuss only hating it when their bitches are on lil girl shit on top of a distorted instrumental just before “Never Imagined” featuring Future makes up for it with a more colorful trap vibe talking about the way they’re living now. The beat throughout “Sad Songs” is a bit of a nonstarter for me personally addressing a pretty lil liar, but then “Before Fajr” talks about people hating him for being more famous and both Southside & Smatt Sertified’s production here has a lot more going for it this time.

“War ‘Bout It” featuring 21 Savage make it known that you can’t discuss any criminal activity that you’ve ever been involved with as Metro Boomin’ supplies more keys & hi-hats while “You Got ‘Em” talks about perc poppers not being his friends except we have one of the weakest instrumentals on the album yet again. “Grandson” featuring Kodak Black has a hazier flare sonically courtesy of both Metro & Zaytoven as they discuss the lifestyles they live while “300 Urus” making it clear there’s a reason some ain’t with him no more over an atmospheric trap beat from Wheezt

Rob49’s verses throughout “Same Side” are underwhelming compared to Durk’s although I appreciate the back-&-forth delivery as well as the morbid Lil Ju instrumental while “B12” weaves some hi-hats & quirky synth patterns talking about being fucked up off ecstasy. “At This Point We Stuck” moodily asks why everyone’s mad at him while “Cross the Globe” featuring the late Juice WRLD is an acoustic trap hybrid with both of them tackling themes of love.

“Dru Hill” is an melodramatically piano trap crossover wanting to be shown something new & what love feels like while the song “Belt2Ass” declares himself to be a rockstar from the trenches & the instrumental here has more of a symphonic flare to it. The penultimate track “Stand By Me” returns to a cleaner sound so he can desire his girl’s honesty asking if she’d stand by him if he lost it all & “Moment of Truth” closes the album with a trap/rock fusion produced by Alicia Keys talking about being out all night getting the bread.

As admirably introspective as 7220 was, the production on that previous album was lacking quite a bit & it makes me relieved that Almost Healed revealed itself to be a step in the right direction for Durk because it could possibly be the best full-length he’s ever dropped. Some of the features underperformed but most of them stick the landing, it’s more well produced for the most part & it really does feels like a therapy session on wax as the personal themes of the predecessor are expanded here.

Score: 3.5/5

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Jay Worthy – “Nothing Bigger Than the Picture” review

Jay Worthy is a 37 year old MC born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada & raised in Compton, California who caught my attention in 2017 after The Alchemist produced his debut EP Fantasy Island from top to bottom. He would go onto drop 5 more EPs & just put out a fantastic collab album with Larry June over a year ago called 2 P’z in a Pod even though initial plans of putting it out through Griselda Records fell through for whatever reason. But Jay’s looking to come off the Harry Fraud-produced You Take the Credit, We’ll Take the Check & the DJ Muggs-produced sophomore effort What They Hittin’ 4 by enlisting Long Island veteran Roc Marciano behind the boards throughout the duration of his 3rd mixtape.

After the intro, the first song “Underground Legends” featuring Bun B kicks things off rightfully declaring themselves as such with a drumless loop accompanying them in the background whereas the title track with A$ton Matthews calling this the shit you see only in gangsta movies with a slicker instrumental. “The Field” featuring Jay 305 brings in the drums & a Middle Eastern sample as they both pray for those still in the trenches until “The Plug” featuring Ab-Soul jumps on top of some pianos & choir vocals talking about being resources for obtaining something valuable that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Marc joins Jay on the mic for “Wake Up” spitting that fly shit with a luxurious beat just before “My Own 2” featuring A$AP Ant & former 2x NBA All-Star Baron Davis has a soulful, jazzier flare to it as they bring to you a day in their lives. “How?” keeps the soul in tact addressing those who always want to know his background & how he reps the CPT even though he was born in Vancouver by telling them not to worry about it since it really doesn’t concern them whatsoever, but then “Players Only” has a triumphantly wavier feel to it talking about how life been different.

The song “Simple Man” featuring Kurupt make it clear to understand that they only want the money with a glossy, drumless instrumental backing them while the penultimate track “The Huddle” featuring Baron Davis brings back the horns & soul sample so all the real ones can click up declaring trouble for all the fakes out there. “Fur Coat Talk” featuring Da$h on the other hand sends off the album on a jazzier note as they discuss minks if you couldn’t already tell by the title of the closer.

I’ve been hearing some people online still calling Jay a boring MC oddly enough considering that he’s been at his best for the past year after putting out 2 P’z in a Pod with Larry alongside his previous couple solo albums & Nothing Bigger Than the Program continues that trajectory if you ask me. Sure one can complain about the amount of features & their performances kinda being 50/50, but the bars from Jay himself continue to elevate solidly over Marci’s signature production style.

Score: 3.5/5

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SK da King – “Made 4 This” review

This is the full-length debut from Baltimore emcee SK da King. Emerging as a member of the Checkered Flag Boyz under the original moniker Paul Skola, it wasn’t until a couple years ago where he signed to Conway the Machine’s very own EMPIRE Distribution imprint Drumwork Music Group as a solo act as announced by his debut single “Actions” & would go on to introduce himself to the Drumwork fanbase that fall in the form of the debut EP Horus. Da King has now come fresh off last September’s prelude tape Before the Album to make it clear to everyone that he was simply Made 4 This rap shit almost a week since former オープン・ザ・お笑いゲートチャンピオン, トライアングル・ゲート・チャンピオンを開け, ユナイテッド・ゲート・チャンピオンを開, RPW British Tag Team Champion, TNA World Champion, TNA Digital Media Champion & TNA World Tag Team Champion Rich Swann became the new CZW World Heavyweight Champion.

“Rick Flare Flow” is a dirty boom bap opener referring himself to be a heavyweight & comparing his flow to that of 2-time WWE Hall of Famer, former 16-time WWE world champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion, 6-time WWE United States Champion, 6-time WWE tag team champion & 9-time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair whose daughter Charlotte is a former 14-time WWE women’s world champion, 2-time NXT Women’s Champion & WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion married to CMLL Mundial Parejas Campeon, 2-time CMLL Mundial Trios Campeon, IWGPインターコンチネンタルチャンピオン, 2-time NWA Mundial Historico Pesowelter Campeon, NXT Champion & WWE United States Champion Andrade El Ídolo whereas the title track gives off a more somber trap vibe talking about being destined to take over the music game. “Where I’m From” featuring Izm400 works in a hazy loop & some hi-hats so the pair can discuss their respective backgrounds, but then “Show Me” has a more triumphant tone to it wanting to know exactly how he’s like these other motherfuckers.

Meanwhile, we have Ejwarwick coming into the picture for “This Side” experimenting with Latin trap talking about the specific side they don’t fuck around with just before he sticks around on “Earn Ya Stripes” following the “P.O.M.E.” skit so both of them can return to the boom bap calling out those who ain’t ever do shit in their lives. “Solid” featuring Heavygold has a somewhat dramatic feel to it talking about being on top leading into Izm400 returning with Mandriq for “The Kitchen” to ruggedly spit that dope shit.

“When It’s Over” experiments with a more Carribean sound trying to get some Ms as well as leaving a legacy when it’s all said it & done while “Nervous” featuring Tony Bosco goes back into trap territory to address the elephant in the room that nobody shining like they are. The song “Came from Nothin’” blends some hi-hats & chipmunk soul talking about not having shit while the penultimate track “Been Thru” weaves in some keys unbottling his mental stresses. “God Willin’” on the other hand closes the album with a churchy beat talking about coming from hard living.

Now I didn’t get the chance to cover Before the Album last fall but considering how much I enjoyed Horus, I was eager to hear how much SK’s grown both artistically & personally Made 4 This. So if you’re enjoying the Drumwork takeover that’s been going on for the past few months, he’s definitely playing his part in applying pressure. The production choices are gradually improving & da King takes his hunger to a whole nother level.

Score: 3.5/5

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Odd Holiday – “L.I.S.A (Life is Strangely Altering)” review

Odd Holiday is an MC/producer duo consisting of Mattic on the mic & Daylight Robbery! behind the boards. Both of whom are members of the group Clouds in a Headlock from the ŌFFKILTR collective, whom just dropped their full-length debut Breakfast in Phantasia last fall. But as we enter the last month of spring, Mattic & Daylight Robbery! are joining forces to bang out a full-length debut together just in time for summer to arrive in less than 4 weeks or so.

“Brute Starr” is a remarkably jazzy opener to the album talking about being in terminator infrared mode whereas “Adam West High School” samples Shamek Farrah’s cover of “First Impressions” talking about about being a graduating fool from the fictional high school in the long-running FOX animated series Family Guy. “Boarded Up Portals” has a mystic quality to the instrumental so he can ether anyone & anything who steps up to him just before “Cream of the Crop” flips The Escorts’ cover of “Look Over Your Shoulder” with the title saying it all pretty much.

Meanwhile, the title track goes into classier turf tackles the idea of how this crazy thing we call life can be strangely changing as time goes on leading into “Free Folk” weaves some strings into the fold advising to stop rushing to be next. “Artistically Sheldon (Autism Lyricism)” if you couldn’t tell by the title revolves around Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory & the speculation of him being autistic which is a pretty interesting subject matter in my opinion over a bluesy guitar, but then “Omen Key” gives off a more alternative edge reminds the listener to “bust the glass in case of an emergency”.

“Varsity Team” begins the final leg of the album incorporates some spine-tingling background vocals talking about letting the freshman in while “LSD Written” offers a glossier approach going with the breeze. The song “Odd Holiday” dives into minimal territory wrecking the normal for those doing it solely for clout while the penultimate track “It Is Whut It Iz” has a wavier feeling this time around talking about the Earth being in it’s ending stage. “The Mandalorian” however is a jazzy closer calling himself a lyrical maniacal & that he was lying when he said he called others dope.

For those of you who walked away impressed by Breakfast in Phantasia, you’re gonna want to give L.I.S.A (Life is Strangely Altering) a listen because Odd Holiday really help being the best out of one another on this debut album of theirs. Daylight Robbery!’s production is rooted by a crate-diggers ear with minimal intervention to maximum stirring effect with limitless range & Mattic engages with the altering world around us in the wake of global upheaval with a lazy laid back simple but puzzling pen.

Score: 3.5/5

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7 – “Ciicada” review

MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7 is a 43 year old producer, songwriter, composer & engineer from Kansas City, Missouri who rose to prominence after becoming an in-house producer for Strange Music from 2006 to 2021. He’s also known for his collaborations with XV, Mac Lethal, Psychopathic Records, Majik Ninja Entertainment & more recently Mobstyle Music garnering comparisons to Mike E. Clark for the simple fact that both of them are able to literally produce anything. But coming fresh off entirely lacing Trizz’ critically acclaimed 5th album Baseline Cavi last fall, 7’s following up The 7th Symphony & Revelations to deliver his 3rd solo album over 2 decades in the making.

“Ultraviolet” by XV starts off the album with a twangy boom bap ballad talking about completing the cycle putting the wheels back in motion whereas “ART_DEALER” by Aaron Alexander & XV works in some more kicks & snares with an organ loop airing out that people think they know his based off the shit they write. “Kubriick” by Ubiquitous & XV is a classy boom bal follow-up talking about being geniuses leading into “a bit dramatic” by Stik Figa has a more stripped-back, psychedelic groove to it a acknowledging that this is more than promotional material.

Meanwhile, “Inflammation” by Jon Connor has some multiple well calculated beat switches throughout as the people’s rapper delivers that counterculture music just before “Ledger” by Trizz ominously yet cleverly comparing himself to Heath Ledger in his historic Dark Knight role. “Aquariium” by Curci & XV has a more summery boom bap quality to it talking about waking up & choosing success, but then “Safety” by Wrekonize dives into more soulful territory clearing the air by saying that’s what he’s been on lately for those who’ve recently have had him in mind.

“Astral Projection” by G Watts gives off a more shimmery boom bap edge calling himself a “Smooth Criminal in his Mike Jack shit” while the song “Lemon Tree” returns to a more sample-based sound so Mac Lethal can talk about wanting a mansion with the titular type of trees. The penultimate track “Be.” by ¡MAYDAY! has a more acoustic feeling to it figuring it out whatever it is that’s running from them & “Shells” being a masterfully instrumental closer to end the album.

I‘ve always felt like 7 deserves to be mentioned more in hip hop producer discussions considering his decorated discography of production credits & I happen to think Ciicada is a solid way of introducing himself to a wider audience. A couple spotty guest performances, but most of them bring their unique styles upfront as the Kansas City extraordinaire dabbles with all sorts of sounds behind the boards.

Score: 3.5/5

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Estee Nack – “Nacksaw Jim Duggan” review

Estee Nack is a 38 year old MC & producer from Boston, Massachusetts emerging as a member of the Tragic Allies. He also branched out on his own my junior year of high school of his Purpose-produced solo debut 14 Forms: The Book of Estee Nack & has since built a lengthy yet impressive discography for himself. Other highlights include the Sadhugold-produced Surfinongold.wav alongside it’s sequel The Order of the Golden Fleece, the Giallo Point-produced Papitas, his collab efforts with al.divino or more recently the V Don-produced B.R.A.P. (Born Rewards & Penalties). But coming fresh off the 6th installment of the #MiniMansionDust series, he’s finally unveiling his 8th full-length album & Griselda Records debut executive produced by the FLYGOD himself Westside Gunn named after WWE Hall of Famer, former WWE United States Champion, WCW World Television Champion & the inaugural WWE Royal Rumble winner “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

“Nackman Coletrain” is a drumlessly jazzy opener to the album produced by Denny LaFlare already getting on his coke rap shit whereas “Mass Money Wires” featuring al.divino works in some pianos, kicks & snares so both of them talking about burning trees instead of bridges which as a weed smoker myself, I can absolutely relate to. “Bonductor We Have a Problem” obviously plays into Conductor Williams’ name as the KC beatsmith ditches the drums once more talking about refusing to fuck around with anyone today that is until “Angeldior” dives back into boom bap territory courtesy of JR Swiftz so Estee can make it clear that he’s been a dreamer encouraging to come get with a crowd pleaser.

On the other hand, “Green Celophane” works in a drumless rock instrumental from Camoflauge Monk talking about being in the jungle with creatures just before “Fetty Guerrero” by al.divino has a more minimal albeit morbid vibe discussing watch what they do when the torch is passed down to them. “Strawberry Milk” has a more cheerful tone sonically calling out those trying to copy the formula who simply don’t get it leading into “We Made History” following the “Knowledge Wisdom” interlude having a more shimmery quality to it courtesy of the big homie CG with the title saying it all subject matter-wise.

“Mini Mansion Bartel” dives into drearier turf saying that his homies go to war for him as if he’s the son of Chapo alongside paying the price since he got stripes like Waldo while “Tal Commando” gives off a more tense vibe this time around talking about turning into WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger in the jungle. The song “Vanilla Skies” returns to the boom bap cautioning that it’s gonna be a hot summer while the penultimate track “SpaceX” takes it’s name after Tesla CEO, Twitter owner & Neuralink founder Elon Musk’s space technology company. “Old NackDonald Had a Farm” featuring West is a cold boom bap closer dissing those for growing shit that ain’t as half as strong as theirs.

Considering that Ester’s lengthy history of working with Griselda, it was only a matter of time he put out an album of his own through them & it sure enough happens to be amongst the strongest in his discography. The production is rooted into the label’s signature sound & Mr. Rose’s performances throughout are on par if not stronger than B.R.A.P. (Born Rewards & Penalties)’s, which should be more than enough to satisfy longtime fans & has me anticipating his future with the Buffalo powerhouse even more

Score: 4.5/5

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Sharc – “Sharc Wave” review

This is the sophomore full-length album from Atlanta, Georgia rapper Sharc. Breaking out as a Pi’erre Bourne protégé signing to the South Carolina recording artist & in-demand producer’s very own Interscope Records imprint SossHouse Records, he would drop a few singles & land some feature placements until dropping his own debut 47 Meters Down literally the week after appearing on “Drunk & Nasty” off the 5th & final installment of his mentor’s Life of Pi’erre series. But coming off producing both Still Trapp’n & Chavo’s World 3 earlier this month, Pi’erre’s keeping the hot streak going by lacing Sharc Wave in it’s entirety ahead of J Billz’ full-length debut Streetz’ Hottest Young’n in a couple weeks.

The instrumental throughout the opener “Walk Down” has these retro-video game like synths & hi-hats so he call out every single motherfucker that’s jackin’ his swag out here whereas “Sicario” switches it up with a more euphoric sound talking about going pistol for pistol. “PMR 30” laces more hi-hats & synths making it known that he ain’t afraid to spray rounds from his strap just before “1 of 1” is a piano trap ballad reminding how much of a threat he is.

“Skeleton Mansion” incorporates some woodwinds & more hi-hats so he can stick while your hood up playing with handguns since he from New York even though his shawty got a fetish for rifles, but then “Super Bowl” goes for a more horn-based sound talking about how SossHouse stays winning without competition. “Members” is a more keyboard/trap crossover saying he in the mood, but then “Miami” has a cloudier vibe talking about going through shit.

Meanwhile, “Hashtag” begins the last leg of Sharc Wave with a woozy beat detailing a bitch that simply wants to act bad while “Harley Quinn” is a cloudy trap banger comparing his lover to that of the Joker’s titular ex & Suicide Squad member. The song “Soss Love” is a triumphant dedication to his squad while the penultimate track “Brixton” has a futuristically bassy approach talking about swimming instead of surfing. “Talm Bout” on the other hand ties up the album with a thunderous closer discussing the lifestyle that he lives.

Sosshouse has been on a tear these past 3 weeks with all these albums that Pi’erre’s been producing for his artists because so far, Sharc Wave is my 2nd favorite of the 3 behind the very one we got last weekend Chavo’s World 3 & has me wondering how J Billz will properly introduce himself on Streetz’ Hottest Young’n in merely a couple weeks. Sharc sounds recharged throughout his performances as he surfs over his mentor’s signature production style.

Score: 3.5/5

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KAYTRAMINÉ – Self-Titled review

KAYTRAMINÉ is a newly formed MC/producer superduo consisting of Portland, Oregon emcee, singer/songwriter & music video director Aminé as well as born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti albeit raised in Montréal, Québec, Canada producer & deejay KAYTRANADA. One of whom I was introduced to in the 2017 XXL Freshman Class & the other notable for being 1/2 of The Celestics with his younger brother Lou Phelps The first time we heard these guys cross paths was when Kaytradamus laced 3 joints off Aminé’s sophomore mixtape Calling Brío, but are reuniting to release a full-length debut of their own.

“Who He Iz” is a groovy opener to the album calling himself misunderstood & living where the coochie live whereas “letstalkaboutit” featuring Spreadie Gibbs discuss their wealth over a glistening instrumental. “4eva” gives off a more hip house vibe to it with some afro house & contemporary R&B undertones refusing to let anything come between his forever leading into “Westside” works in some string sections talking about being hot & cold at the same time not wanting to be compared to these fools out here.

Moving on from there, we have Big Sean coming into the picture for “Master P” blending these hi-hats with a vocal sample as they tell everyone in the game right now to watch it just before “Rebuke” is a pop rap/contemporary R&B ballad with some elements of neo-soul sprinkled in calling himself the type that you remember when you go to sleep. “Sossaup” talks about upgrading his bitch with a wavier beat in the fold, but then “STFU3” continues the trilogy that Good for You started & 1.5 continued with a J Dilla inspired sound.

The song “Ugh Ugh” brings back the synths talking about hustling 5 days of the week except for balling on Fridays & cuddling with his girl on Sundays while the penultimate track “Eye” featuring WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg goes back into hip house turf 1 last time so the trio can discuss having to get focused locked in & never being unbelievable. “K&A (KAYTRANADA & Aminé)” ties up the album by talking about doin’ what we want ’cause we want accompanied by an impeccably smooth ass instrumental.

If this is only the beginning of what’s to come from KAYTRAMINÉ, then it has me anticipating what’s in store from them in the future because this is a highly enjoyable debut album from the duo. KAYTRANADA’s production gives heavy summer vibes, Aminé gives some of the finest performances of his career, the feature list is brief yet tight & I’m really amazed by simply how well everything flows together throughout the 34 minutes.

Score: 4.5/5

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Chavo – “Chavo’s World 3” review

Chavo is a 29 year old rapper from Atlanta, Georgia notable for being the son of Benzino & the older brother of Coi Leray. However, my introduction to him was when South Carolina recording artist & producer Pi’erre Bourne signed him to his very own Interscope Records imprint SossHouse Records. His 2018 debut mixtape Hood Luva was solid & the sophomore tape Mixed Emotions was even better in my eyes until the full-length debut Chavo’s World continued to show his elevation. However, the sequel generally received moderate reception & his debut EP Hood Luva 2 is considered to be his weakest body of work. The next EP Blue Hills returned to a more mixed response, but is now re-enlisting Pi’erre to fully produce his 3rd album.

“I Love It” lets it all off with a synthesizer-based trap instrumental explaining that he be getting money whereas “Fort Worth” featuring Sharc works in some strings & hi-hats so they can both talk about pulling up to Texas. “B.M.D. (Bitches, Money, Drugs)” is a flute/trap hybrid detailing the 3 things that he loves the most in this world just before “Black Tint” has a more vibrant feeling to it boasting that he feels like the president when riding around in the titular kind of whip.

Meanwhile, “Queen of the Demand” brings back the synths to acknowledge that his girl is well aware of the fact that Chavo gon’ fuck on her friends if she fucking her also leading into “I.D.W.T.F.N.L.W.U.” (I Don’t Want to Fall n Love With U)” is a shimmering trap cut about not wanting to fall in love with this bitch he’s talking about. “HEY!” keeps things wavy telling this woman who wants to her to smash at a party to not pay attention to nobody, but then “Hoola Hoop” dives into more atmospherical territory talking about spinning around after dropping the addy.

“Procedure” blends the sounds of a submarine & these synthesizers so he can show off his luxuries that come with a life of fame while “For Me (Babygirl)” is a catchy trap ballad with some pop rap elements throughout a confesses that he don’t know if this chick is his soulmate. “Up Up Up” incorporates a booming instrumental telling this woman not to be a stranger while “Postman” featuring Veeze finds the pair over a hazy beat talking about running laps all year long.

Moving on from there, “Call on Me” has a more minimal sound telling his lover to drop the addy whenever while “Hiccups” dives into moodier turf talking about the game needing him & that none of his boys are victims. The song “Serena, Venus” gives off a more trippier aesthetic describing this Brooklyn girl he met seeing the difference between Chavo & her own man while the penultimate track “Shiesty” talks about how reckless the homies be over synth-strings & hi-hats. “System” though is a futuristic closer with his lover making it clear she’ll catch a case for him.

As disappointing as Hood Luva 2 & Blue Hills have been, I still respectfully maintain that this guy has an overall discography superior to his younger sister’s & Chavo’s World 3 further solidifies that because this is a dope return to form for him. Pi’erre’s production here is refreshing considering that was the biggest issue I had with both of those previous EPs & Chavo himself sounds more focused throughout his performances.

Score: 3.5/5

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