Schoolboy Q-Habits & Contradictions [review]
Habits & Contradictions is a fitting title for this sophomore album from Schoolboy Q.
Habits because it could be classified as a “smoker’s” album. The overall pace is slow, with repetitive and catch hooks.
Contradictions because unlike most “smoker’s albums”, he still finds a way to sneak in real topics and themes not typically associated with this type of album.
The album opens on the slowly drawn out “Sacrilegious” and pretty much follows this same vibe the entire album. Although the content changes throughout the album, I think this was important to get the listener in a certain “zone” while listening.
The Habits of this album can be divided into tracks such as “2 Raw”, “Oxy Music”, “Hands on the Wheel” featuring ASAP Rocky (and a very clever use of a Kid Cudi hook as a sample).
The Contradictions are “Grooveline Pt. 1″, “Blessed featuring Kendrick Lamar” and the antithesis of Drake’s “Marvin Room”, “My Hatin’ Joint”.
What’s impressive about this album though is how Schoolboy weaves in and out of these topics while maintaining the constant vibe in the album. The songs all flow well, and although he speaks on several issues there is nothing worth leaving out. He does this with his slowly drawn out choruses, changing of flows and deceptive lyricism. Deceptive as in he knows when to be lyrical and when to just flow over the beat, a skill that most rappers don’t possess. Production on this album was key also. Outside of his usual TDE in-house producers, he gets assistance from DJ Dahi, Best Kept Secret, The Alchemist, ASAP Ty Beats, and southern up and comer Mike Will. Using several producers when the concept is already set in mind may usually be difficult, but Schoolboy Q found the right combination for this album.
If Kendrick Lamar’s Section.80 was too heavy for you, then I definitely think you would enjoy this album. It’s easy going, entertaining, but still carries a message.
Overall grade: 4.0-5.0
Based Joseph Budden the Twitter God-No Church in the Wild Freestyle
So i’m guessing he made this like 5 minutes ago?
Go Dreamer-Animals vs. Machines [album]
This album is from Dreamer, of ATL rap group Hollyweerd. (I really hope they’re still together. Weerdo >>>). Download below.
