Cloud is back with another project. This time a new EP titled The Annoying Side. While
in the past I would classify Cloud's music in the nerdcore genre, I'm
not going to do that on this EP because it takes a completely different
than his other material, but I'll get into that later. When I first got
the EP I noticed two things different. First, usually Cloud has a
variety of different instrumentals from various producers but all of the
tracks on the EP were produced by Lex
with the exception of two bonus tracks. That was a smart move as the EP
easily flows from one track to the next. The next thing I noticed is it
was only five tracks, seven if you include the two bonus tracks. If
you've heard any of Cloud's other tapes you'd know he usually has around
twenty tracks. With this shorter track list he was able to focus on his
new style which I'll mention later.
Let's
start with the weak spots. Cloud's mic sucks, I don't see any reason to
point that out, mainly because he does it on the first track, "Satan
Christ," but he's saving money for a new one so I can give it a pass.
The biggest weak point on the EP is the flow. Cloud mentions on one
track how his flow is different on every track. It's true. It can be a
little over stimulating when he's constantly switching flows. The flow
Cloud uses on "Yamcha" is the best flow on the EP. If Cloud chooses to
stick to a single flow it should be that one. Again this isn't
necessarily anything that he needs to change, Cloud is one of the few
artist willing to try new things and because of that this EP really
shines in some areas.
Lyrically, this isn't Cloud's best outing either, but it doesn't even matter. Earlier I said I would classify Cloud's old music as nerdcorem, but on this EP he leaves that behind. The Annoying Side isn't filled with constant anime references. Cloud takes a different route and gets much more personal on these tracks than ever before.
On "Yamcha" he calls himself "The brown skinned Drake," That's what this was. Cloud didn't copy Drake's style but he did make music that was more personal. Something a lot of artist shy away from. This is why I was letting the lyrics slide, this is a whole new world for Cloud, but it works for him. Brown Skinned Drake is an improvement in style. While this was his first attempt to make music like this it's pretty good and with time the lyrics will improve.
I can't say there's any track I actually dislike. My favorite tracks are easily "Demise" and "Yamcha." Both tracks are filled with tings from Cloud's personal life such as "You try to take all your friend's girls, that's why nobody trusts you." Most of this album is filled with Cloud telling us he's a shitty person who makes mistakes, but he's trying to change for the better because he misses having good relationships with people like his sister.
Cloud also gets a lot of time to shine on this EP by himself. In the past he's had another artist featured on almost every track. With this EP the only feature comes from Android Anthony. The two actually make a good duo. Consider a whole project together.
Overall I'm going to give The Annoying Side a C- There's parts where it sags but it's still completely different than Cloud's past work so I can overlook that for now. In fact I'd like to see a complete project like this. A mixtape or an album, either would be nice. While lyrically Cloud may have stepped back with this one he found a spot that works for him. This is the Cloud people want to hear. You even said it yourself "This anime rap is getting old." Move on and be the Brown Skinned Drake, it works.
Let's
start with the weak spots. Cloud's mic sucks, I don't see any reason to
point that out, mainly because he does it on the first track, "Satan
Christ," but he's saving money for a new one so I can give it a pass.
The biggest weak point on the EP is the flow. Cloud mentions on one
track how his flow is different on every track. It's true. It can be a
little over stimulating when he's constantly switching flows. The flow
Cloud uses on "Yamcha" is the best flow on the EP. If Cloud chooses to
stick to a single flow it should be that one. Again this isn't
necessarily anything that he needs to change, Cloud is one of the few
artist willing to try new things and because of that this EP really
shines in some areas. Lyrically, this isn't Cloud's best outing either, but it doesn't even matter. Earlier I said I would classify Cloud's old music as nerdcorem, but on this EP he leaves that behind. The Annoying Side isn't filled with constant anime references. Cloud takes a different route and gets much more personal on these tracks than ever before.
On "Yamcha" he calls himself "The brown skinned Drake," That's what this was. Cloud didn't copy Drake's style but he did make music that was more personal. Something a lot of artist shy away from. This is why I was letting the lyrics slide, this is a whole new world for Cloud, but it works for him. Brown Skinned Drake is an improvement in style. While this was his first attempt to make music like this it's pretty good and with time the lyrics will improve.
I can't say there's any track I actually dislike. My favorite tracks are easily "Demise" and "Yamcha." Both tracks are filled with tings from Cloud's personal life such as "You try to take all your friend's girls, that's why nobody trusts you." Most of this album is filled with Cloud telling us he's a shitty person who makes mistakes, but he's trying to change for the better because he misses having good relationships with people like his sister.
Cloud also gets a lot of time to shine on this EP by himself. In the past he's had another artist featured on almost every track. With this EP the only feature comes from Android Anthony. The two actually make a good duo. Consider a whole project together.
Overall I'm going to give The Annoying Side a C- There's parts where it sags but it's still completely different than Cloud's past work so I can overlook that for now. In fact I'd like to see a complete project like this. A mixtape or an album, either would be nice. While lyrically Cloud may have stepped back with this one he found a spot that works for him. This is the Cloud people want to hear. You even said it yourself "This anime rap is getting old." Move on and be the Brown Skinned Drake, it works.
Tags:
Album Review
