Album Backlog Vol. 8: Chance The Rapper, Blueface, Murs, & Little Brother

It’s getting close to the end of the year and as usual around this time, I’m fighting to clear my ever-growing list of albums I need to listen to, aka my Album Backlog. Here’s Volume 8 and more of me trying to chip away at the list. These are also projects that I either didn’t have time to give a full review or feel it wasn’t worth my time (That’s not a diss, you gotta do what moves the traffic). Ocho!

Chance The Rapper – The Big Day

Release Date: July 26, 2019

Let me say this upfront: I don’t won’t Chance The Rapper to kill himself and I don’t have a problem with him doing an album where he mostly talks about loving his wife. The main issue with The Big Day, Chance’s “debut album” is that it’s boring. Even after listening to an explanation on The Breakfast Club on how the album is supposed to resemble a wedding reception playlist; the shit is still boring.

Some people even say this album is too damn happy but I don’t mind happy if it’s done well. No longer is the Chicago rapper on Acid Rap, this is the smiling guy from those Doritos commercials turned up to 11. That’s cool but just not for me. SKIP!

Blueface – Dirt Bag

Release Date: August 9, 2019

Uh. Nah. SKIP!

Murs, 9th Wonder & The Soul Council – The Iliad Is Dead & The Odyssey Is Over

Release Date: August 9, 2019

It’s always cool to see Murs & 9th Wonder connect. And while The Iliad Is Dead & The Odyssey Is Over isn’t technically just a collaborative album between just these two, it still has the same feeling that made albums like Murray’s Revenge one of my all-time favorites. I’ll go ahead admit that I didn’t have an idea of who or what The Soul Council was, but seeing they are collective of like-minded producers lead by 9th Wonder, and also seeing that Murs sounds great over these type of beats, it all comes out strong. I’m always looking for well crafted grown man rap and The Iliad Is Dead & The Odyssey Is Over is that. Check this one out.

Little Brother – May The Lord Watch

Release Date: August 20, 2019

If I had time or knew y’all would give a shit, Little Brother‘s May the Lord Watch would be an album I would give a proper review to. It’s a good album. The only issue may be that it’s literally just a Little Brother album. That’s not a bad thing but if you didn’t like the North Carolina duo before this surprise reunion project, you probably won’t like May the Lord Watch. But for LB fans (I’m included in that group), this is a breath of fresh air. From the funny and well-placed skits, to a mostly rapping Phonte, to an inspired Big Pooh, all over familiar production (even without 9th Wonder). Another one to throw in the well crafted grown man rap pile. Check this one out.