Tag: The U.N.

Roc Marciano – “Marciology” review

Long Island emcee/producer Roc Marciano has returned with his 11th full-length studio album. Starting out in the very late 90’s as a member of the Flipmode Squad, he then went solo in 2008 to drop classic albums that would pave the way for those like Griselda such as Marcberg & Reloaded. He would begin focusing on producing projects for other artists like Flee Lord & Bronze Nazareth following Mt. Marci but after enlisting The Alchemist to produce The Elephant Man’s Bones which I gave a perfect score, we’re being taught Marciology.

The self-produced title track is this ominous opener reminding that he done brought game to the rap game whereas “Goyard God” works in these luxurious piano chords thanks to Animoss so he can shit on everything. “Gold Crossbow” keeps the exuberant boom bap vibes going boasting he has more style in his small toe than your whole torso leading into “True Love” going into soulful turf for a dedication to all his ghetto homies.

“BeBe’s Kids” brings a groovier approach instrumentally talking about others not digging your style because shit’s foul while the crooning “Bad JuJu” featuring Larry June strips the drums courtesy of Uncle Al breaking down to the rich lifestyles that they both live. “Tapeworm” brings a symphonic vibe to the beat talking about being too high class to work with purse snatchers & he is if we’re being honest with ourselves here, but then “Killin’ Spree” featuring Crimeapple brings the 2 together over a rock sample painting images of the gangsta life.

Meanwhile on “Went Diamond”, we have Marci over more strings teaching those who don’t know by now that their worst enemies be their own pride & ego just before “Higher Self” featuring Flee Lord & T.F. yet again builds itself on operatic sampling talking about leaving bullets flying even through your grandma’s room referencing WWE Hall of Famer, former WWE United States Champion & WWE Intercontinental Champion Rick Rude. “LeFlair” ruggedly breaks down doing everything from scramblin’ to pimpin’ & panderin’ while “On the Run” featuring Jay Worthy having this infectious vocal flip talking about always being on the lamb.

“Larry Bird” featuring GREA8GAWD & Knowledge the Pirate draws near the end of our Marciology lesson with these jazzy woodwinds throughout referencing the titularly iconic Boston Celtics player of the same name that is until “Floxxx” concludes the album toning down the jazz influences talking about never losing his touch, which he hasn’t.

Marc always comes correct whenever he puts out new music and although Marciology isn’t flawless like The Elephant Man’s Bones was, anyone who’s familiar with his discography should know what they’re getting themselves into by now. The production is mostly drumless with additional undertones of boom bap & jazz rap very much like the predecessor charismatically spitting that illustrious pimpire shit.

Score: 4.5/5

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Roc Marciano – “Marcielago” review

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This is the surprise 8th full-length album from Long Island heavyweight Roc Marciano, who started out as a member of the Flipmode Squad from the late 90s & early 2000s. He then went solo in 2008 & has dropped 7 critically acclaimed albums since, with his last 3 all coming out just last year. But after laying low throughout a good bulk of 2019, he’s finishing off his prolific decade with Marcielago.

After the “Select Few” intro, the first song “Molly Ringwald” finds Marci gets flirtatious over a lush instrumental from Animoss. The track “Choosin’ Fees” spits that drug game over a soulful beat while the song “Richard Gear” gets reflective over a lavish instrumental. The track “Ephesians” by Metal Clergy sees Marci getting mafioso whereas Ka gets conscious over a nocturnal instrumental while the song “Tom Chambers” with Knowledge the Pirate sees the 2 tells their competition not to get into their way over a jazzy beat.

The track “I.G.W.T. (In God We Trust)” talks about only having one another over a piano & a soul sample while the song “Puff Daddy” with Cook$ gets bloodthirsty over sinister instrumental. The track “Boosie Fade” with Westside Gunn sees the 2 spitting battle bars over a suspenseful beat while the song “Bomb Shelter” with Willie the Kid sees the 2 flexing over a soothing jazz sample.

The track “Saw” gets back on the mafioso tip lyrically over a haunting instrumental from The Alchemist while the song “SAYLAVI” is a clever play on the French phrase “c’est la vie“ & I like how trippy the Animoss beat is. The track “God Loves You” gets on the more motivational side & the church-like instrumental suits it fantastically, but the hook is just alright. Then before the “Legacy” outro, the final song “Joe Jackson” finds Marci bragging over a blaxploitation-esque instrumental.

Roc truly has been a leading figure in hip hop’s East Coast renaissance throughout the 2010s & this was a fantastic way for him to finish it off. There are a few spotty moments on here, but it feels like the musical equivalent to a crime film from the production to Roc’s lyricism getting sharper & sharper over time. Can’t wait to see what he’ll do going into the new decade.

Score: 4/5