Why did I review the
album? My roommate recommended it to me
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen again? Yes
Generally, I don’t like album about drugs because it seems like
the easy route that rappers automatically return to for content. And, anyone
that has ever smoked weed or dealt a small amount can use the name drug dealer
and technically not have told a lie. The rappers that smoke religiously
(Currency, Wiz Khalifa and others), It’s hard for me to like them because I
don’t understand most of the references they allude to and I don’t understand
that lifestyle (I do not smoke). But this album is the exception
I’m not sure who creates beats for Pusha T, but the beats on this
album are cleverly constructed. There’s usually a beat that serves as the
foundation. It usually melts into the background nicely because there is a
secondary instrument that takes the forefront that is very
distinguishable. The two beats are basic which allow for his lyrics to
take center stage.
This album’s backbone deals with drugs, but deviates enough to give the album variety and depth. Drugs is a common subject among rappers, but Pusha's delivery is not. Its amazing beats make the album a joy to listen to and
Pusha T delivers bar after bar of genius lyrics which have double meanings in
most cases.
For me, the album's crowning achievement is its ability to discuss drugs without feeling fake, to challenge without confronting, and to boast without insulting.
My Favs
3. Nostalgia
2. On the Boards
1. King Push
Overall Rating: 86 with a recommendation to Buy
On the Boards- I tried to resist,
but this song is amazing. The beat is simple yet effective. It’s the type of
song to blast in a car. Pusha T’s lyrics on this match the quality of the beat.
Line after line of lyrical genius 5/5
Sweet Serenade- I
was afraid this song would end poorly because the combination of Chris Brown
and Pusha T seemed too extreme to work. I was wrong. Chris Brown shines in the chorus
while Pusha controls the verses. I love
Pusha’s version of boasting because he doesn’t call out names to do it. 4/5
Hold On- He knows
that he was able to escape an untimely end because he mastered the pen, but he
realizes that he’s lucky. After boasting in typical Ross fashion, he moves to
deeper topics of struggle and a need to band together, and the elimination of
hatred in young men. I was surprised by this uncharacteristically serious verse
from Ross, but was pleasantly surprised nonetheless. 4/5
Suicide- The hook is weak, but verses
are solid 3/5
40 Acres- Another odd pairing that works
better than expected. He uses the same formula he applied for Sweet Serenade. One
of the more serious tracks. The title references 40 acres and a mule. A concept
that stated every man had a right to 40 acres and mule for settling land.
African Americans thought it would allow them to own land, but it did not. So,
the title signifies Pusha’s will to take what is owed to him, with force, if necessary.
Some of the stories discussed in his verses reinforce this belief. It’s
interesting how Pusha T can illicit different emotions without changing his
tone of voice. The audience can tell he’s exasperated, but he delivers his verses
in calm manner. 4.5-5/5
No Regrets- Strong beat accompanied by
strong lyrics. This song recognizes that no one can change the past. Fretting
about it is a waste of time but it’s much more beneficial to learn from the
past and let those realizations fuel future decisions. 4/5
Let Me Love- Am I the only one that thinks
he sounds like Mase (Tell Me What You Want) in this song? I swear he’s doing it
purposely. 3/5
Who Am I- I think this a guilty pleasure.
Big Sean’s lyrics are funny and 2 Chains is a welcome edition, even if I laugh
at his rachetness. 4/5
Nostalgia- I don’t like Kendrick Lamar as much as most people, but his
verse in this song fits the album well. His bars if read on the surface are
fine, but if scrutinized are exceedingly clever. 5/5
Pain- King Push starts firing hot
bars and refuses to slow down. Future is in this one too, but I was too focused
on Push to care. 4/5
S.N.I.T.C.H.- The title of this song is
clever enough to garner 4 stars. It’s an abbreviation of Sorry N**** I’m Trying
to Come Home. Which obviously also spells snitch. The whole song is about
people talking to the police (snitching) about the criminal activity of their
partners. Pharrell chimes in for the chorus and sings about the motivations of
people that snitch. Throughout the song theirs is an underlying theme of
disloyalty. It’s a clever structure for a song and a worthy candidate to end
the album. 4.5/5
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