I'll admit it right out the gate, I ignored Denzel Curry right out the gate. I didn't even give him a chance. Mainly because people kept comparing him to SpaceGhostPurp and well, I'm not a fan of that guy either. But, when people started saying TA13OO might be an album of the year qualifier, I figured I'd suck it up and give it a listen. I can admit when I'm wrong. I'm a fan now, I'll be waiting for new projects in the future. Let's get into the album shall we.
The album is split into three sections. I didn't really pick up on any different production styles for each part so it seems more like an artistic choice. As for the actual production most tracks are handled by FNZ and or Mickey De Grand IV. Tracks generally stick to a high energy style and I'll admit there's a few I wouldn't be able to distinguish if you put me on the spot. The thing is, they're good at it. There's nothing that's going to be excessive or annoying. It's done in a way that compliments the artist more than trying to stand out which is becoming a lot more common.
I'd say Denzel has about four different flows on this album, but two of the flows are just slower versions of the other two. He's really good at those four flows and it shows. He plays to his skills and sometimes that's better than being the most talented. That's not saying he isn't talented because he had some pretty good bars throughout the album. A few that made me laugh and even a few that were a gut punch of reality. He didn't show a ton of different skills through the album but he demonstrated how he was great at the skills he demonstrated.
I really don't know why the album was split into sections. That might just be the cool thing to do. It worked for J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. It doesn't really work for everyone else. The issue here is, there's no major shift in production style from part to part. Nor does the subject matter differ radically. It's sections for the sake of sections. That's just a pet peeve.
My favorite tracks on the album are "TA1300," and "Clout Cobain," without doubt. They feel more in line with what I expected from the album. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy anything else on the album, but these two fit what I expected. On the flip side, I didn't really care for "Sumo." It's not a bad song and I don't down right hate it, but I might skip it a few times on future playthroughs. There were references to Chowder and Rikishi, so it gets a pass. That saved you Mr. Curry.
Is the album really looking at the darker sides of taboo as stated on the intro? Not really. Now, that doesn't mean it isn't a good album. I actually enjoyed it a lot. I was lead to believe that I would be hearing some heart breaking music that would reach the depths of my soul. That didn't really happen for me, but I did enjoy the album. Is it one of the best hip hop albums of the year? I'm going to say, probably. We haven't exactly gotten a ton of great hip hop albums this year. Maybe I'm being a rap snob or maybe there aren't enough artists working to create meaningful content. Either way, Denzel Curry has earned a listen.
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