Tag: EMPIRE Distribution

Conway the Machine – “S.F.K. (Slant Face Killah)” review

Buffalo, New York emcee Conway the Machine is back with his 4th LP. Blowing up in late 2015 as part of the 3 OGs of Griselda Records alongside his brother Westside Gunn & their cousin Benny the Butcher, the trio have had hip hop in a headlock ever since their arrival by their constant work ethic balancing quality & quality as well as vividly detailing their lives in the streets. Con’s full-length debut From King to a Godwas my Album of the Year for 2020 & the Shady Records-backed sophomore effort God Don’t Make Mistakes is the most personal he’s ever been. Won’t He Do It just celebrated it’s 1-year anniversary last weekend & coming fresh off the Conductor Williams-produced Conductor Machine from last winter, Won’t He Do It 2 is now being scrapped in favor of S.F.K. (Slant Face Killah).

After the “Despertar” intro, the first song “Mutty” featuring Stove God Cook$ is a dusty boom bap opener produced by Conductor Williams explaining that those who fucked with them ain’t here to talk about it whereas “Give & Give” takes the soulful route instrumentally thanks to Cool & Dre needing something to hold on to. “Milano Nights, Pt. 1” works in some pianos, kicks & snares to break down overcoming all trials & tribulations just before “Kin Xpress” featuring Larry June psychedelically strips the drums talking about being unfuckwitable.

“Meth Back!” featuring Flee Lord, Method Man & SK da King brings the quartet together returns to the boom bap thanks to Daringer talking about this being a stickup leading into “Ninja Man” going into a luxurious direction courtesy of Swizz Beatz addressing those out here who stay talking. Joey Bada$$ joins Conway for the grimy 2nd single “Vertino” with Camoflauge Monk & Sadhugold behind the boards boasting how raw they are, but then “10 / Rya” featuring Key Glock is this 2-part trap joint that Don Cannon laced talking about being on 10.

“Dasani” throws these pianos & hi-hats into the picture talking about having this bitch running while “Raw!” featuring Tech N9ne finds Cardo pulling inspiration from the Memphis scene boasting their lyrical ferocity. “Surf & Turf” featuring Ab-Soul, Jay Worthy, T.F & 2-11 brings everyone together for some jazzy gangsta shit referencing WWE Hall of Famer, former 6-time WWE Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 2-time WWE United States Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion & NWA World Tag Team Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin while “Karimi” comes with a hazy boom bap flare talking about wanting the bread. “The Red Moon in 大阪” ends the album with climactic closer produced by The Alchemist including a bar referring to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter/pitcher 大谷 翔平.

Won’t He Do It had its high points despite not being one of my favorite projects in Con’s discography, but what was supposed to a sequel tot get previous LP we got from La Maquina over a year ago makes improvements in the departments where it was lacking. The production is a mix of boom bap & trap generally, we have an interestingly versatile guest-list & the Drumwork founder passionately explains why they call him the S.F.K. (Slant Face Killah).

Score: 4/5

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Stanwill – “4ever $hittin’” review

This is the 3rd proper solo album from Detroit, Michigan rapper Stanwill. Coming up as 1/3 of the ShittyBoyz with Babytron & TR Dee signing to Lando Bando’s own The Hip Hop Lab Records, he eventually branched out on his own during the COVID-19 pandemic off the debut EP $camwill as well as it’s successor Gifted & the debut mixtape Van Gundy. He also went Full Auto for his 3rd EP making his full-length debut with Big $hitter followed by the 4th EP Big $hitter: Lost Files & of course the sophomore Still $hittin’ celebrating it’s 1-year anniversary last weekend, it makes sense for him to clarify that he’s 4ever $hittin’.

“Neverland” start off with a bit of a psychedelic plugg vibe talking about being the weatherman whereas “Paramount” named after the Paramount Skydance Corporation works in some pianos to discuss the only thing that he’s really concerned of is the paper. “Standing Ovation” takes the spacious trap route instrumentally thanks to Danny G & Jakesand talking about playing the dirtiest game while the synthesizer infused “Live & Learn” humorously boasting that his wrist 41 & the cougar bitch he bagged being 42 providing the clique scoring 2 pointer.

Tay B joins Stan for “Be Fr” gives off a suspense-raising Detroit trap flare to the beat talking about both of them always keepin’ it 100 leading into “Cockadoodledoo” mixing 808s & pianos flexing that he can do this shit in sleep every single day of the week. “Smithereens” brings back the plugg influences that we heard at the very beginning so he can talk about those laughing at his losses cheering for his victories, but then “Sexyy Red” featuring T Bone go back on forth on a Detroit trap instrumental wanting bitches similar to the rising St. Louis trap star.

“Whack-a-Hoe” hooks up these orchestral elements with 808s saying that if the money makes the world go round, then he’s the reason that Earth’s spinning prior to Certified Trapper dropping off the worst feature throughout the entire album on “Brothers” despite the synth-trap beat & the lyricism talking about riding & dying for their brothers. “Make It Last” going for more of an electronic trap approach with the instrumental likening his squad to a marching band with the AR drum attachments while “AR in My Goose” returns to the Detroit trap sound cautioning to duck before he taps you in the head.

My favorite feature on 4ever $hittin’ is easily TR Dee on the luxurious “Simple” talking about how simple this shit really is to them prior to “Bases Loaded” in actually serves as a solid freestyle over the “They Losing Me” by Big Homie Dre Cash beat. “Chop Suey” featuring Drego contains the LP’s 2nd best guest appearance eerily talking about the barking gonna be dead if they end up biting that is until “Ahh Haa” gets back in his Detroit trap shit laughing at one of his brodies shooting an opp.

“Nonstop” kinda has this chill mood to the instrumental refusing to stop since time is money after while the west coast flavored “Los Santos Customs” makes reference of the Grand Theft Auto V & Grand Theft Auto Online vehicle customization & repair shop of the same name. “Crunch Time” couldn’t of been a better choice of a climactic closing track to the album talking about chillin’ with a bitch that don’t know English for so long to the point now where he speaks in Spanish to the plug.

This last handful of solo projects we’ve gotten from Stanwill over the course of these past 3 years have been more moderate compared to Van Gundy, but there’s no debate from my point of view that 4ever $hittin’ is the most that I’ve enjoyed a solo project from him since $camwill when the world was on lockdown. Although only a couple features stood out, I love that he tries out some new sounds albeit primarily sticking to the Detroit trap wheelhouse.

Score: 4/5

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Mozzy – “Children of the Slums” review

Sacramento, California emcee Mozzy is back with the 8th full-length studio LP in his discography & his Collective Music Group/Interscope Records sophomore effort. I became a fan of in the summer of 2017 off his debut 1 Up Top Akh & he went on to be featured on the soundtrack for the incredible Marvel blockbuster Black Panther only 6 months later & drop 6 more albums through his EMPIRE-backed Mozzy Records prior to Memphis veteran Yo Gotti landing him a CMG contract. Mozzy’s major label debut Survivor’s Guilt in 2022 was more poignant than what he’s done previously & that alone raised my stakes for Children of the Slums.

“Damn” starts us off by calling out someone who ran when they got on the homie line over a mellow beat whereas “Still Hurt” works in a soul sample with hi-hats admitting the pain he still feels over Diaonds’ death & the love he had for Sauce on top of it. The title track comes through with this piano talking about the fact that he did so much for his hood prior to “Red Nose Bully” reminding everyone that he’s still that guy from the middle over exuberant pianos & hi-hats.

Fridayy joins Mozzy on “Lost It All” for an R&B/pop rap/trap crossover asking their lovers if they would still care about them even if everything was suddenly taken away from just before the 3rd single “Miss Big Bruh” showing genuine heartbreak over his big brody who’s no longer here in the flesh. “Ebony from 12th” gives me this mafiosi trap vibe instrumentally talking about being tired of death after seeing one too many coffins, but then “Miss You Blood” brings this angelic/hyphy fusion to the table addressing one that he often thinks of.

“Jaded” goes into a cloudier direction to discuss angels callin’ them on top of their demons still creepin’ up behind them as well prior to the soulful “Living Proof” featuring E Mozzy finding the 2 talking about being breathing examples of that your dreams can come true. “Traumatized” has this melodic vocals in the background throughout to break down an individual he once knew receiving a traumatizing sentence in court with his momma crying in court while “Lost in My Thoughts” jumps over pianos & hi-hats talking about not needing any validation.

The lead single “Free JuJu” pays tribute to someone he wanted to guide & set on the right path from Oak Park that he couldn’t save while the violin, hyphy flavored “Act a Fool” featuring Celly Ru & E Mozzy finds the trio talking about actin’ reckless. “I Can’t Go Out” passionately draws near Children of the Slums’ conclusion by refusing to go out for nothing when it’s all said & done while the atmospheric “If I Die Right Now” asking if his so-called brothers would miss him as much as the fans. “Better Without You” finishes the LP with a gloomy sample drowning behind him tired of seeing one suffer & struggle.

Much like Survivor’s Guilt, this could be considered one of Mozzy’s most personal projects to date & I certainly like it more than Glorilla’s latest tape EhhThang EhhThang from earlier this morning. He shines light on life growing up in the Sacramento community, the trials of being raised in survival & the complex lifestyle that comes with it. It further exemplifies the growth of Mozzy’s rap career & personal life, serving as an inspiration to fans that even the titular type of people can also make it out like anyone else.

Score: 3.5/5

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$weet-T – “$weet & Silent Dan” review

Michigan rapper $weet-T locking in with Danny G for his 3rd studio LP. Introducing himself alongside $kid for the collaborative EPs Monkey Business & Fancy Off Fiends respectively, it wasn’t too long thereafter when Lando Bando signed him to The Hip Hop Lab Records & properly introduced himself with the debut Sweet Talk. The sophomore effort Sweeten the Pot quickly became the finest body of work we’ve hears from him by himself, with $weet & Silent Dan looking to rival it.

“Jay & Silent Bob” featuring Danny G begins by likening themselves to the popular View Askewniverse characters of the same name whereas “Proceed with Caution” featuring J1Hunnit talks about the way both of them be living over a Detroit trap beat. “Big League Pitchin’” featuring $kid finds the pair trading verses with one another for old time’s sake recapturing the vibes of their early EPs, but “Moby Dick” featuring 1Up Tee merely doesn’t entertain me as much.

Brezden joins $weet-T for “Malcolm in the Middle” referencing the Fox Corporation’s flagship property’s early 2000s sitcom ahead of the upcoming Life’s Still Unfair miniseries premiering on The Walt Disney Company-owned Disney+ next Christmas while “Shakesphere” talks about his words rattling the globe as he keeps getting his stack on. “Ludacris Pape” takes 2 & a half minutes to flex his wealth leading into “Fishbones” talking about making it rain.

“Salt Water Taffy” featuring DJ Lucas links up over a piano instrumental co-produced by Jakesand to advise that it wouldn’t be wise to be hatin’ on their respective movements while “Big $weet” talks about doing shit that nobody else in his field could possibly do. “How Many Times” cautions of crews winding up chalked fucking with THHL & once “Tilapia” featuring Babytron references Canelo Álvarez, the closer “Chris Hansen” finishes with $weet talking about being in the deep end.

Nearly 8 months since he had to Sweeten the Pot a little, $weet & Silent Dan once again makes another example as to why $weet-T’s one of the most overlooked artists on The Hip Hop Lab’s roster. Danny G’s production here a lot like what we’ve heard from in the past cohesively sticks to the Detroit sound, bringing a stronger guest list to the table than last time to compliment Big $weet.

Score: 4/5

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Drego & Beno – “True Story” review

This is the sophomore full-length studio LP from Detroit trap duo Drego & Beno. Blowing up in the summer of 2018 off their debut mixtape Sorry for the Get Off followed by both Meet Us Outer Space & Sorry for the Auto-Tune after signing to EMPIRE Distribution, they would eventually take a 3-year break from making music before returning a year & a half ago on Sorry We Was Trapping. True Story however made me curious as to whether or not they could outdo themselves compared to the debut.

The title track produced by Helluva comes straight out the gate with a 2-minute Detroit trap banger talking about being in the hood if they ain’t trappin’ whereas “Boobie Trap” brings a menacing atmosphere instrumentally referring to themselves as big tippers. “On My Momma Ass” works in these ominous piano chords from Drego himself interestingly enough talking about bitches that don’t follow instructions bringing great destruction just before “Slimed Out 2” serves as a fun sequel to their biggest song.

“I Don’t Even Rap” has this bouncy, futuristic approach to the beat to talk about wettin’ up opps if they so happen to run into each other in the club while “MPR” once again brings a grisling vibe to the table discussing the gangsta lifestyles that they’ve experienced. “Ignorance” has this suspenseful trap groove to it admitting they could be tied in with the cartel, but then “Sheed” goes for a shimmery Detroit trap approach making it in & out the bank like Lloyd.

The rubbery “Get Me Going” asks if you want a tour of their house while the last cut together “Ball” fuses elements of orchestral & Detroit trap looking to hit the mall & spend it all shopping. The bells throughout Beno’s solo cut “Habit” are a unique touch saying that ballin’ is a habitual occurrence for him & fittingly, Drego’s solo joint “S.M.M.O. (Show Me My Opponent)” ends the duo’s 2nd album with Helluva throwing a hint of a west coast influence in his signature production style asking who his opponent is.

If Sorry for the Get Off is Drego & Beno’s best mixtape of the 3 they put out up until EMPIRE signed them, then True Story has to be the best LP of the 2 they’ve given us in nearly 2 years & the strongest they’ve sounded since the very mixtape that put them on the map. It’s significantly well-produced than a lot of their previous material & they pretty much make the case that they don’t need features to hold down the fort.

Score: 4/5

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DaeMoney – “Rockstar Lifestyle 2” review

Detroit trap star DaeMoney back with his 2nd LP over a year after the full-length debut. Coming up as the nephew of one of the 2 biggest artists in the city right now Babyface Ray as well as a member of the WRLD Tour Mafia collective, he broke out on his own by dropping his debut mixtape Young Sexual Misconduct & his debut EP Slae Season accompanied by his 2nd EP Rockstar Lifestyle& then his previous tape Slae Season 2. Slae went on to sign to EMPIRE Distribution couple summers ago & celebrated in the form of his latest EP Slayer’s Coming fully produced by Trees shortly after as well as the final installment of the Slae Season trilogy. However, I was interested in the sequel to Rockstar Lifestyle especially considering the singles.

“Jimmy Neutron” is a spaciously bouncy trap opener referencing former 3-time WWE world champion, 5-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, WWE United States Champion, 3-time TNA World Champion, ΩCW Heavyweight Champion, 9-time WWE Tag Team Champion, 3-time WWE Hardcore Champion, ROH World Tag Team Champion, HoG Tag Team Champion, 2-time ΩCW Tag Team Champion, 2-time TNA World Tag Team Champion & The Crash Mundial Parejas Campeon Jeff Hardy who made his final AEW appearance last month in a losing bout with former record-tying 3-time AEW TNT Champion, AAA Mixtas Parejas Campeon & AAA Mundial Cruceropeso Campeon Sammy Guevara whereas “Flexin’” takes a cloudier approach instrumentally getting heavy with the braggadocio on the lyrical side of things. “Nun to Prove” gives off this mystical trap flare to the beat talking about never having shit to prove, but then “Earned It” featuring Babyface Ray himself rambunctiously talks about deserving to go as hard as they do.

Babytron joins Dae on “Mafia & Militia” so they can globetrot over synthesizers & hi-hats while “Granny’s Car” continues the atmospheric trap vibes talking about being high as Hell every time you see him. “Pent Talk” featuring KARRAHBOOO puts a bigger emphasis on the synths sounding off their thoughts from the penthouse prior to “Japanese Denim” featuring LUCKI & Veeze hooking up more synths & hi-hats repping the titular brand of jeans.

“Double C’s” featuring Joony goes for a moodier approach talks about doing all the drugs he does to forget reminiscing just before the cloudy Detroit trap fusion “Mini Me” shrugs off those who be ballin’ with him since he’s more worried of the millions he’s trying to stack up. “All Night” hops over hi-hats & minimal synthesizers tells his homies it’s gonna be ok while “Euphoria” is a calming smoker’s ballad. “Different Places” ends the LP in trippy fashion responding to being asked how he’s living.

The original Rockstar Lifestyle is one of the most notable EPs in Slae’s catalog, so for him to recapture that energy nearly 3 years later & close to 13 months since finishing the Slae Season trilogy wasn’t as bad of an it idea. He’s continuing to gradually step up in the ranks as one of the best in the current local trap scene, the guest-list is bigger & the overall sound is more cloudier.

Score: 4/5

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Uncle Murda – “Lenny Grant Story” review

This is the 17th mixtape from New York emcee Uncle Murda. Being in the game for nearly 2 decades, he briefly signed to Roc-A-Fella Records/Def Jam Recordings in the mid/late 2000s but has since made himself home over at G-Unit Records for the past 8 years & doing his own take of the Rap Up series a decade ago inspired by Skillz. I can’t say I have a favorite tape of his since they’re pretty much moderately received, but the buildup to Lenny Grant Story got the best of me.

“If I Die” starts off with piano chords & hi-hats explaining that one of his opps is coming with him if he were to pass away whereas “The Projects” featuring Conway the Machine has a jazzy drill vibe talking about the trenches of their home state. “They Said” featuring Symba shifts back into trap territory telling y’all to look at them now leading into the soul/drill crossover “I’m Ok With That” talking about making his son into a king & fulfilling his promise.

Jadakiss accompanies Murda on the atmospheric “Money” dropping braggadocio just before cavernously hazy “No Safety” featuring Benny the Butcher acknowledges that it’s safe to say that ties have been cut. “10 Toes Down” has a spacious quality to the instrumental tackling themes of commitment, but then “Spin the Block” featuring Styles P & 50 Cent finds the trio looking to simply that on top of a ghoulish vocal sample.

“Grimey” weaves a rich boom bap beat in the fold reflecting on the welfare days while the song “Ride Out” featuring Peezy is an acoustic trap cut clearing out any place their opposition is at. The penultimate track “I Changed” soulfully breaks down how he’s become a different person as he’s gotten older & “2 Hurt 2 Cry” rounds out the tape in an upbeat fashion explaining they reason you don’t see no tears from him.

Once again: I’m not big on Uncle Murda’s previous material & I’ve heard numerous features from him across a multitude of projects over the years that I’ve actually enjoyed. Surprisingly, I was impressed to come away from Lenny Grant Story liking it more than I initially thought I would’ve. I’ll even say it’s the best thing he’s done ever since 50 signed him in the first place. The guest-list is impressive, Murda himself sounds concentrated & the production represents both past & present sounds of the New York hip hop scene.

Score: 3.5/5

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Fordio & MJPaid – “Made & $tyle” review

Michigan rappers Fordio & MJPaid teaming up for a new collaborative mixtape. Both of whom are notable for being members of the Dog $hit Militia collective founded by the ShittyBoyz, signing to Lando Bando’s own EMPIRE Distribution imprint The Hip Hop Lab Records as solo acts not too long ago with 3 EPs under their belts each. However ahead of their respective debut albums Paid Ponzi & Fordi Milligrams next year, both parties are putting their chemistry to the test on Made & $tyle.

“Grammys” begins by trading verses with one another about the way they be living over a Detroit trap instrumental whereas “Dirty $oda” expresses their love of sippin’ lean. “Trials & Tribulations” produced by Danny G has to be an early favorite of mine excellently pulling off the back-&-forth delivery better than both previous attempts while “2K24” talks about leaving all that broke ass shit in the past.

As for “Neck of the Juggs”, we have Fordio & MJPaid telling us they’d rather play gangster for the blue hundreds spending all day chasin’ a bag just before “Way 2 Geeked” talks about being fucked up off the drugs to the point where they can’t even sleep. “IDKY” references WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson while “Chemistry” featuring the late $camaurion has a bar referring to the Fox Corporation’s flagship property’s longest running animated series The Simpsons.

“Bubble” talks about hitting Philadelphia after burning down shop only 3 months away from the City of Love hosting WrestleMania XL following Endeavor merging the WWE & the UFC to form TKO Group Holdings a few months ago while “D$M&$” featuring Lewis & Clark reps their gang over a Jakesand instrumental. “3am in Oakland” remembers their fallen homie $cams accompanied by a Danny G beat while “What Happened” asks where the time goes.

Moving on from there, “Nowadays” observes the way things are currently whether others acting as if they tough or both Dog $hit Militia members never failing while “Never Stop Cashin’” featuring Prince Jefe reunites with Jakesand for the trio to talk about not complaining of the cheese they making since it’s free. “On the Way” advised for anyone broke to keep their opinions to themselves while “Intoxicated” talks about profiting off every run.

“Master Minds” featuring Kasher Quon reminisces over the times they’ve done fucked up a load & memories of $camaurion coming up to mind while “2am in Atlanta” takes us live from the ATL talking about what’s on their minds during the late night hours. “Juice WRLD” gets over a Danny G instrumental for another exciting moment of trading verses prior to GlockBoyz TeeJaee & TR Dee joining to express their dislike towards “Paparazzi”.

Danny G & Jakesand both lock in with each other behind the boards for the song “What It Seems” talking about rocking the finest, most expensive shit & having the money to compliment the outfits while “Ain’t Hearing It” confesses to getting up in their feelings when it comes to the bands aspiring to go after millions. “End Goal” finishes Made & $tyle with both rappers talking about their endgame being in their separate mansions.

As someone who’s heard both of these guys through guest appearances on a handful of projects that THHL has put out within the past couple years, Made & $tyle is only the beginning for Fordio & MJPaid as I’m sure their individual debuts for the Detroit trap label will be equally promising of their artistic potentials as this. The production is greater than either solo EP from each performer, holding their own weight & doing a fine job at balancing one another lyrically.

Score: 3.5/5

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Big Hit – “The Truth’s in My Eyes” review

Big Hit is a 52 year old rapper from Los Angeles, California notable for being the father of one of hip hop’s most in-demand producers that we’ve seen in recent memory: Hit-Boy. He was found guilty & convicted of a hit & run resulting in great bodily injury almost a decade ago, unlawfully being sentenced to 12 years & 4 months in prison including a 5-year GBI enhancement connected to Count 1. This February, his petition for a writ of habeas corpus was granted & became a free man few weeks ahead of his son’s 36th birthday. Hit would have his father join forces by making Surf or Drown 2 a collab effort tailored for Father’s Day Weekend & now only less than a couple weeks until Christmas, they’re keeping it rolling except Hit-Boy is fully producing his dad’s official full-length solo debut album.

The title track is a symphonic opener to the album talking about keeping it gangsta so I ain’t got shit to hide whereas “Red Lotion” featuring Jay Worthy & RJ finds the trio boasting that they’re flamed up & burning forever on top of a drumless soul sample. “Load ‘Em Up” featuring the Baby Stone Gorillas sets out to load it the sticks, spin the block, load ‘em up & pull off in the Lotus truck leading into “Take Some Off of That” going into trap turf with co-production from Rogét Chahayed calling out those who ain’t cut from the same cloth as him.

“Extra Clips” gives off a smoother edge to the instrumental describing the way he lived in the streets proclaiming the LA County Sheriffs to be worse than the feds just before “Wigglin’” featuring Mozzy shifts gears by lacing a chill backdrop with hi-hats & even a g-funk beat switch during the end of it as both of them admitting they’re trappin’ again, but then “Broke the Mold” luxuriously disses all the copycats out here these days.

Big Hit’s son joins his dad on the mic for the booming lead single “A$AP Chauncey” looking to run it up while “Boo Bop” works in these strings & later keys accompanied by hi-hats dropping braggadocio on the lyrical front. “Shoppin’ Monster” featuring WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg fuses elements of trap & g-funk so both of them can celebrate while the highlight “Man, I’m Rollin’” gives off a jazzier flare thanks to The Alchemist rockin’ shit that’s fresh off the showroom floor.

“Breaking the Ice” featuring Half-a-Mil & J. Stone weaves together pianos chords with kicks & snares so everyone can handle business while “The Pain is Deep” gives off a g-funk vibe once more admitting that if this is heaven, then he doesn’t even wanna see hell. “Inspiration” featuring Figg Newton & Killa Twan is a decent trap cut dedicated to everyone catching cases while “Speaking in Codes” featuring Benny the Butcher does that general sound significantly better advising that the sharks gotta learn to finesse around.

The penultimate track “Stay On” featuring Big Tray Deee formerly of the LBC Crew & Tha Eastsidaz finds the 2 joining forces over a funky boom bap beat as both of them make it known that they’ve paid their debts to society after spending time behind bars prior to “G’z Don’t Cry” closes out Big Hit’s debut LP that’s been almost a decade in the making by soulfully admitting that the titular rule is in fact a lie.

Now for those of you who just got into Big Hit this spring when he came home & put out Surf or Drown 2 with his son the next month for Father’s Day, there’s no way that you’re not gonna walk away from The Truth’s in My Eyes liking it more since you get a better look of who he is artistically & personally. Even though a few guests fall flat, the overall sound impressively ranges from boom bap to trap & g-funk on top of Big Hit’s passionate performances.

Score: 3.5/5

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E-40 – “Rule of Thumb” review

Vallejo, California emcee, songwriter, entrepreneur, actor & Sick Wid It Records founder E-40 releasing his long-awaited 19th full-length solo LP only 4 years after his last one Practice Makes Paper. However: It’s his 27th album if you don’t count Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift & Night Shift, Revenue Retrievin’: Overtime Shift & Graveyard Shift, The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil, Vols. 1-3 & subsequently Vols. 4-6, Sharp On All 4 Corners & The D-Boy Diaries all as individual albums. Anyway some heads like to disrespect him, but he’s been putting it down for the Bay Area for over 3 decades at this point. My favorites in his catalog include In a Major Way, The Mail Man, The Element of Surprise, Charlie Hu$tle: The Blueprint of a Self Made Millionaire, My Ghetto Report Card & The Block Brochure series to name a few. He’s also a member of The Click with 3 of his blood relatives & the supergroup Mount Westmore, the latter of whom put out their debut album last winter. However after releasing 2 Curb Commentator EPs during the pandemic, 40’s making a comeback on Rule of Thumb.

“Lift It” encourages those to lift the plastic if it’s the shit over a somber hyphy instrumental from Rick Rock to start off the album whereas “AYE!” hooks up the malicious horn melodies & finger-snaps warning that the law is coming asking if you hear him. “Does That Make Sense” gets on his mobb shit speaking the real just how he feels leading into the summery “GPS” featuring Larry June talking about how maybe it‘s the g in them.

Meanwhile, “The Game” returns to a hyphy-based sound saying maybe he’s doing exactly that prior to the woodwind/trap hybrid “Bay Warren Buffet” produced by his son Droop-E flexing his entrepreneurship for 2 & a half minutes. “High End” featuring B.G. who just got out of prison with Gucci Mane & Philthy Rich brings the 2 Bay emcees & both Atlanta representatives together over some synthesizers & hi-hats from DJ Daryl boasting their first class statuses, but then “Off Dat Mob” floats over this angelic vocal sample woven into a mobb beat explaining he grew up off this shit hence the title obviously.

“Green Light” featuring B-Legit finds the cousins returning to their hyphy roots detailing that it’s on site while “Water” featuring LaRussell goes into synth territory talking about how they’ll take their way. “Show You How to Do It” featuring G5, O.T. Genasis & Zoe Osama has some of the most underwhelming guest appearances on the LP despite the synths making their way back into the picture courtesy of ProHoeZak & the subject matter of showing y’all how it’s done while “Billionaire Dreams” expresses his desire to become a billionaire over a trunk-knocking beat.

To start off the 2nd half of the album, “Pickin’ Up What I’m Puttin’ Down” keeps it hyphy reminding that you’ll drown if you can’t swim while “Lemme Go” featuring Mistah F.A.B. & Too $hort sees the 3 Bay vets aggressively declaring that they can’t be held back. “I’m Just Spazzin’ appropriately gets a glimpse of 40 spazzin’ over a futuristically bouncy instrumental while “It’s Complicated” goes into smoother turf asking what is it that people are hooked on something getting faded.

“Pressure” featuring Bosko throws it back to the 80s sonically looking to apply pressure while “Succaz” featuring Trae tha Truth explains that it’s dark, but it’s from the heart also over a solemn hyphy beat. “Get My Life Right” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again gives off a melodic trap tone looking to have their lives straightened out while “Stop Actin’ Like a Weirdo” needs no further explanation over a piano-driven instrumental.

The song “The Bay” is an off-the-wall club banger laced with the help of Hallway Productionz that you might as well leave up to him to murder while the penultimate track “Lovin’ Somebody” gets on the grown man tip from the soul-heavy production to the sensual themes. “Dose of Game” ends the album by admitting that this music feel as good as the old school stuff & telling those in need of advice to play the game for what it’s worth.

I think the last time I mainly enjoyed a new album from 40 was The Block Brochure series throughout my first half of high school, as everything else since had been average or subpar since. Needless to say: Rule of Thumb is a step in the right direction. Some spotty production & guests here & there, but it makes me happy to hear him let the features they only take up 34% of the LP so he can sound more focused than he did on some of his past recent material.

Score: 3/5

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