Rapid Review – 5/26/22

Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry: A solid record here, it’s very exciting to hear Pusha on some great production by Kanye and Pharrell Williams respectively. Continuing his cocaine motif, there’s undoubtedly great verses over gospel, guitar, and Neptunes-esque instrumentals. 7.5-8.5

Future – I NEVER LIKED YOU: We see Future at a pinnacle of toxicity that he seems self-aware about; it’s to the point that he completely accepts his lifestyle as the only way he knows how to live with some of the harshest and darkest beats Future has made. I highly recommend Shawn Cee’s commentary on this project. 7-7.5

Arcade Fire – WE: The indie legends come back for a grandiose album that’s very orchestral and piano heavy. Some of the instrumental details (like interpolation of breathing and near “crescendo porn” climaxes) are so emotionally evocative along with the passionate lyrics and vocals. The range of musicality is also impressive beginning with the elegantly gorgeous Age of Anxiety tracks ending with psychedelic folk-like The Lightning tracks. 8-9

88rising – Head In The Clouds Forever: A short 3-song record, BIBI and Warren Hue make appearances respectively with groovy, feel-good songs preparing for the summer festival. The Rich Brian verse on froyo is amazing with the ominous yet impactful rapping without a beat. 6-7

Burial & Four Tet – Nova/Moth: A nice chill release after the phenomenal work that was Antidawn; I can hear some influence from the prior album but its much more his normal forte with the addition of Four Tet on board. 7-8

Masiwei – Humble Swag: This is a surprisingly consistently great album by ¼ of the Higher Brothers. Masiwei’s rap flows are dynamic and versatile, up to par with American contemporaries, and continues a combination of Chinese and English rapping in the most seamless fashion over Chinese-influenced instrumentals. 7-7.5

Yeat – Up 2 Me: A fairly bloated but enjoyable project, it’s interesting to explore one of the biggest underground rapper’s discography right now. The Kant Change instrumental is amazing.

Young Thug – JEFFREY: I’m gonna miss Jeffrey; hopefully he’s out soon. This record is always a delight on the cutting edge of auto-crooning and experimenting with the very bounds of Thugger’s voice.