One half of the duo Clipse, Pusha T started a solo career some couple years back and after a series of unimpressive mixtapes with a few dope singles Pusha released his debut album under G.O.O.D Music. He doesn't change up his style or even his topics for this album released 2013, but is it a good debut? Let's find out.
King Push
This is my time, this is my hour. This is my pain, this is my name, this is my power
I actually like this opening, no intro just straight to the rapping. It's to the point and he doesn't mess around.
Numbers on The Board
The main single from last year and I can see why. I don't love it, but it is a dope track with a interesting instrumental. Granted it's a little annoying after awhile.
Sweet Serenade feat. Chris Brown
Just the man I was lookin' for Chris Brown! Not really, I just lied to you. But he is utilized is a solid way here and I appreciate that. Even though Chris's voice is anything but sweet...it's alright.
Hold On feat. Rick Ross
Here Pusha shits on fake dope dealers and rappers with...Rick Ross?...
You know i'd imagine Pusha T and Rick Ross would be natural enemies but not in this track.
You niggas sold records, never sold dope
As I stated...Natural enemies.
Also a very soothing autotune intro from Kanye, and by soothing I mean really unnecessary but it's brief.
Ross is passable here, doesn't take up too much time to get sick of him. Wouldn't call it a great verse though.
Suicide feat. Ab Liva
I'm still a snow mover, blow harder than tuba. Designated shooters, turn weed to woolers
Yes it's about cocaine but it's completely shallow. Pusha relates to pawn in the drug game being suicidal by their decisions with a reference to Blastmaster KRS-One. Re-Up gang member Ab liva holds it down too.
40 Acres feat. The Dream
In his words, unpolished and unapologetic. I don't think the Dream completely fits in this song. There's not really a good transition between the two, but the verses hold up. It's a change of pace from the last few that's for sure.
No Regrets feat. Jeezy and Kevin Cossom
Did Jeezy take the 'young' out of his name? Huh, i'm proud of him. The intro's pretty weak (and autotuned) but T brings it back and dare I say Jeezy almost outshines him. Or maybe i'm just impressed with him staying on topic, one or the other. Neither seem to regret their past and that made for a solid duo entry.
Let Me Love You feat. Kelly Rowland
The Pusha T/Kelly Rowland love duet we were all waiting for is finally here! Here our host attempts to convince a girl to hang with him despite his reputation and to give him a chance. I'm actually well surprised by this song working as well as it does.
Who I Am feat. Big Sean and 2 Chainz
Well...with guests like this...how can you go wrong? Big Sean fits considering he sounds like he's still in sixthgrade and Pusha T dresses like he just dropped out. Pusha T's the only solid part of this mess.
Nosetalgia feat. Kendrick Lamar
What i sell for in the hood i'm a doctor! Zhivago, try to fight the urge like Ivan Drago! If he dies he dies! Like Doughboy to Trey, if he rides he rides. Throwing punches in his room...if he cries he cries
This right here...might be my favorite track of all of 2013. Kendrick lays down a sick ass verse flipping the drug scheme into him being dope. T isn't to be outdone though If i may add.
You wanna see a dead body? Instrumentals from my mama's Christmas party...troubles on my mind
With a crazy sample of BDP's The Bridge is Over. By far best track on this LP.
Pain feat. Future
and you follow it up with this fucking guy! Another really unnecessary guest. Shame it interrupts a well done track. Our host keeps it going then the robot from the Jetsons jumps into to sing a melody.
S.N.I.T.C.H feat. Pharrell
You had Pharrell and you used that last scrub!? The fuck!? Anyhow, weak beat to it, generic trap sound. Everything else is alright about it. Pharrell doesn't sound as good as i woulda hoped. There is a real theme here of Pusha avoiding being caught by a snitch and take down. I like the ending overall.
Got me tip toeing through the conversation on our calls Tryna to act normal but the writings on the wall
The Highlights:
King Push
Nosetalgia feat. Kendrick Lamar
The Lowlights:
Who I Am feat. Big Sean and 2 Chainz
Pain feat. Future
The Gem:
No Regrets feat. Jeezy and Kevin Cossom
Is It Worth a Purchase?
If you're into a gangsta rap or "trap" as the kids call it these days this isn't a bad investment. There's a lyrical presence in a album with some tracks that do in fact bang in the whip. This was the perfect album for someone like Pusha T. If you're looking for some political hip hop, it goes without saying to stay away.
Overall Grade: B+
Until the Next Coke Wave, One Love.
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