Curren$y - The Stoned Immaculate
If you aren't a Curren$y fan, chances are this album won't make you on. But for the true believers the album is another solid addition to his impressive catalog. I'm always hesitant about major label albums from "underground" artists but Warner Bros let Spitta do what he wanted. He's not the greatest rapper but has an infinite amount of dope shit talking and boasting to go over some of the most lush production I've heard in awhile.
Big KRIT - Live From The Underground
Perhaps the most disappointing album I've heard in years. KRIT dropped three great mixtapes over the last couple years, including the best (imo) earlier this year. The album sounds quite tame in comparison, and feels more like a generic imitation of his past work than anything new. It's the typical KRIT story: Cadillac anthems mixed with some self consciousness, but here the bangers and the head scratchers come up empty. Outside of a standout track featuring BB King (Praying Man), nothing really stuck out to me. Def Jam didn't clear a lot of the samples KRIT wanted, resulting in many of his best tracks appearing on mixtapes instead of the album. That mixed with his rather repetitive lyrics is making me wonder whether he's a one trick pony
Oddisee - People Here What They See
AOTY material right here - in fact it would be my early #1 if not for R.A.P. Music. I remember hearing Oddisee a few years ago and not really feeling him on the mic; flow wise he reeked of the awkward producer rapper who tries too hard. The first verse on the album seems to display that same odd, confused flow but gradually builds into a solid set of bars, but he takes it to the next level with the next verse. The following tracks featuring an array of acrobatic flow changes and good lines.
Production wise Oddisee has always been dope. He breaths life into soul samples with live instrumentation and some electronic flourishes (I guess I'll trademark soultronic right now)
