$uicideboy$ : "New World Depression"

This is the fourth album by the New Orleans-based duo. The production value of their albums continues to improve, now finding the raw lo-fi quality that marked their early days as the first wave of Soundcloud rappers gone and it's not unlike when Bone Thugs N Harmony was at their peak in the 90s. The main difference they do layer vocal harmonies, but continue to use a similar rapid yet smooth style of phrasing their verses. Lyrically it feels a little more in line with the kind of gangsta rap from the West that looks at the grind rather than the money being made. They retain a more grounded perspective that I think their fan base relates to. The opening track clocks in at under two minutes yet they cover all the bases needed when it comes to effective hip-hop songwriting, so that says something about how their talents have blossomed. 

The beats do have a very 90s feel to them which I appreciate, and great inspiration for them to draw from as the music of that era is much better than what the current generation of rappers is doing. The verses are dropped in a very hooky fashion that is easy to listen to yet has substance. It reminds me of how I miss rappers like Bone who spit out their lyrics in a much more thoughtful fashion than the mumble rappers of today who have gotten sloppy. Their use of samples is also one of their strength to create the backdrop for these two to drop their lyrics over. The words bob and dodge the beat fitting in all the right places. Granted the novelty of what they are doing is working great three songs in only time will tell if it holds up the deeper I get into the album. 

There is a spacey ambiance to what they do, but this does not sound as dark as what I have heard from them in the past. Trancey jazz marks the track to "Thorns". The sing-song delivery keeps the tempos varied and catchy. "Misery in Waking Hours" is marginally darker, and the hook at the end is pretty memorable. "Burgundy" finds them sliding further into a bleaker place which I appreciate as that is what I want from them. "Transgressions" finds the inner struggle being explored more. These thoughts are delivered in a little more aggressive fashion. I know one of these two cousins is sober, and the other half is at least smoking weed, so this is their outlet for exploring who they were during their lower times. They bring a poppier side for "Are You Going to See the Rose in the Vase..." There is a Post Malone slant to this, but done in a less producer-reliant manner. 

"All of My Problems  Always Involve Me" moves with gas behind the beat. A more atmospheric take on pop trap meets 90s rap goes down on "A Light at the End of the Tunnel...". They have a more gangsta approach to "Drag'em to the River" that carries an infectious bounce to it. "Us vs Them" almost leans in more of a Juggaloo-pleasing direction, the rapping is turbo-tongued. The last song dances in similar sonic shadows as the one this album has been bopping to thus far. I will give this album a 9.5, I am happy to hear a hip-hop album with this mood and mindset coming out it's a relief. 

pst298