Technically
this is Pusha's debut album, but he is far from being called a rookie in the
rap game. In my opinion, he is extremely underrated, and I'm hoping this album
goes to number 1 on the Billboards. He definitely deserves more recognition,
especially with an album like this. His lyricism is outstanding, and the
producers on this album did an amazing job.
Damn! The
intro to this album is probably one of the best intros I have heard in a while.
King Push really sets the tone of the whole album. Pusha claims “If it’s my
reign, then it’s my shower”, which is probably the dopest line in the song.
Pusha destroyed this song, and that is all I can say.
Numbers On
The Boards is a perfect beat made by Mr. West and Don Cannon. It is such a
simple beat, but Pusha shows off his boastful lyricism. Another ambient track
on this LP, which we’ll hear a lot of throughout the album.
Pusha aint
afraid to talk about his drug dealing past, and Sweet Serenade sure shows it
off. Over a cinematic instrumental from Swizz Beatz, Pusha tells us why real g’s
move in silence. Also this song shows why Chris Brown needs to stick to hooks.
The hook on this song really complements Pusha’s verses. Pure greatness right
here.
Hold On is
like a street ballad. Pusha, Kanye harmonizing, and damn does Rozay deliver,
really makes a perfect song. This song is heartfelt, but at the same time gritty.
What Ross says in his verse, really shows the thesis of this song, “If you slip
and you fall I got you my nigga, hold on”. The feels…
The next
song, Suicide, shows how Pusha still got block ties. Skateboard P provides a
very bouncy beat, and Pusha goes to work. This song is also kind of a Re-Up
Gang reunion, because of Ab-liva’s simple, but effective verse.
40 Acres is
another emotional song, because it describes Pusha’s childhood. The Dream
provides an ambient beat, as well as a hook. The one thing I noticed with this
song is the extreme change in the beat when the hook changes to the verses.
King Push shows off his storytelling skills.
No Regrets,
in my opinion, is the anthem of the album. My Name Is My Name is all about
Pusha reminiscing on his past life, but he on this song he shows he has “No Regrets”.
Solid hook from Kevin Cossom, and Jeezy’s verse adds a lot of color to this
banger.
Let Me Love
You talks about Pusha cheating on his girl. Kelly Rowland plays the part of the
“side chick”. Another song where Pusha shows off his versatility in the rap
game. He even pays homage to Ma$e with a verse that sounds exactly like Ma$e’s
voice. That beat is really infectious, as well.
Who I Am is
Pusha’s statement to be dope forever…literally. Another drug reference right
there. Fellow GOOD Music labelmates, 2Chainz and Mr. Finally Famous, provide
braggadocios verses.
Nosestalgia
is another amazing storytelling song. Pusha talks about his drug dealing past,
while Kendrick provides a really dark verse talking about his father’s drug
addiction. Some say the Kendrick verse is better than the “Control” verse. That
may be very true, because the verse is magnificent.
Another
dark song produced by Kanye. Pain shows that Future doesn’t only do club songs.
This song was actually leaked a long time ago, but it still goes hard.
Sorry Nigga,
I’m Tryna Come Home, S.N.I.T.C.H, is about exactly what the acronym says. No
one likes a snitch, but Pharrell’s character is trying to get out, so he will
snitch on Pusha’s character. The Neptunes provide a very bluesy beat, and even
Pharrell’s hook sounds like an old school soul singer.
This album
is a masterpiece. That is all I can say. With amazing production and lyricism,
Pusha really outdid himself on this LP.
(5 out of 5 stars)
