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Friday, July 23, 2010
CD Reviews / News CD Review: Curren$y's Pilot Talk
Posted By Mike McCray on Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 4:54 PM
The Deal: New Orleans MC sees bigger audience and wider distribution on his third studio album, sure to be every D.A.R.E. instructors nightmare and every stoner's dream.
The Good: There's something fascinating and dope about Curren$y's baked train of thought, whether it's obscure sports references or video game and classic TV nostalgia. The beats, primarily crafted by North Carolina super-producer Ski Beatz — probably most famous for producing "Dead Presidents" on Jay-Z'sReasonable Doubt — range from experimental and grimy early on to, at times, easy listening and adult contemporary later without sacrificing soul or precision. After the first few tracks go in different directions the album settles into a dope and consistent groove.
Love guest appearances. Newcomers like Big K.R.I.T. and Smoke DZA contribute dope verses to "Skybourne" while vets Mikey Rocks of The Cool Kids ("The Hangover"), Mos Def & Jay Electronica ("The Day") and Devin The Dude ("Chilled Coughphee") rode down tempo beats like a clean whip on Saturday afternoon. Can't forget Nesby Phips either who did his thing over a beat he produced ("Prioritize")
The Bad: Fans will recognize more than a few of these tracks from previous projects (mixtapes and leaks) with is probably frustrating for fans clamoring for new material. "Seat Change" with Snoop Dogg is one of those features you were excited to hear, but then, after hearing it, you'll say you want the "old Snoop" back.
The Verdict: Smooth and easy to re-play over and over. Truly one of hip hop's most unique and underrated voices delivers an album that should catch the ears of fans who only associated him with "Where The Cash At?" and push his already loaded underground bandwagon towards capacity. Hopefully, it's enough green to go around.
INFO
DD172; Release date: July 13, 2010
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