In addition, certainly worth mentioning is Ab-Soul’s battle with Daylyt at the end of the album, a first for me personally, and just more confirmation as to the potential of battle rap to reach the mainstream. Another favorite on the album is “Feeling Us”, letting the masses know that the skill and appeal is undeniable. On “Stigmata”, Ab-Soul explains just why he has those holes in his hands, sparing us the blood and gore, while borrowing from one of the GOATs Nas to get his point across. Trailing this Ab-Soul croons about heartbreak on “Closure”, a track that you wouldn’t really expect from the Black Lip Bastard, but it works very well, and the subject matter is very relatable. This track also slyly incorporates elements of Section 80 making for an all-around good track. Here Kendrick returns the favor to Ab-Soul, delivering his animated cries of triumph followed by the candid words of Ab-Soul over smooth jazzy production. “Kendrick Lamar’s Interlude”, accompanied by outstanding production by Terrace Martin, as usual, is a breath of fresh air. No need to worry though as crests are certainly reached later, one of which to be provide by a Maad City native. Not a bad track as I can see it serving its party anthem purpose, but a track that can definitely be considered one of the album’s low points. “M#**cka I’m twact”, apparently slang for being under the influence, “Twact” is very reminiscent of the sounds of DJ Mustard. Following suit, certainly a standout was the Rick Ross featuring, “Nevermind That”, a track that will most definitely stay on repeat for some time. The second half of the song is nice as well, with Ab-Soul providing the vocals over smoothed out production and gritty imagery courtesy of Punch. Now to one of the favorites on the album, “Dub Sac” is the quintessential weed smoking/party anthem that Ab-Soul is known for. Not to be listened to when in search of mind stimulation this is a solid track to just vibe out or ‘chase them benjamins’ to. Short on ‘substance’ this Schoolboy Q driven track more than makes up for it with energy and delivery. And what’s all the struggle for without a reward as, “money is the anthem” is the cry throughout the hustlers theme of, “Hunnid Stax”. Overall this track was very effective at setting the tone for the rest of the album. Here Ab-Soul chronicles his rise to prominence and all of the struggle and negativity that came with it. What’s striking on this track is the ethereal production of Purity Ring and it’s cohesiveness with the soft, smooth vocals of SZA. These Days, staying true to the messianic themes throughout the album, opens with the appropriately titled “God’s Reign”. This project is a look inside the mind of a lyrically gifted madman, a glimpse into the life of a surgeon, notorious for his dissection of words with great precision. The three other members of Black Hippy appear, along with great choices like Action Bronson and Danny Brown, plus the 23-minute closer, "W.R.O.H.," is no ponderous epic, but some audio verite that's humorous, odd, and enlightening.Īrtful and gangsta at the same time, These Days.“Left these holes in my hand so you know who I am…” A rather grand claim from the Black Lip Pastor, but does the product live up to the hype? Ab-Soul’s latest release was described by the wordsmith as a time capsule of life events occurring between the critically acclaimed Control System and his highly anticipated album These Days. Here, big hardcore ballers ("Hunnid Stax" with Schoolboy Q) sit next to ambitious cloud-rap explorations of self ("World Runners" with Lupe Fiasco and Nikki Jean) and sometimes, the two worlds meet, like when Miami Don Rick Ross gets covered in stuttering, indie-flavored syrup ("Nevermind That"). Offers a whirlwind of excellent hooks and exciting ideas. Spinning so many plates means his third album is a bit scattered and a tad overwhelming, but those who like their hip-hop to be a mix of machismo and maverick can easily ignore these small bumps in the road, because These Days. Like the rest of his crew, Black Hippy ( Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q), Ab-Soul is skilled at balancing the mainstream and the underground along with the sublime and the ridiculous.
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