Did this man just sample a cackling laughter? Nah, he’s a fucking problem. After dropping only a month or so ago one of the best producer albums I’ve heard all year to dropping this? He MUST be out for blood this year! Pair that with one of the dopest MC’s out right now? And you have the recipe for a project unlike ANY OTHER! Let’s talk about it!
This is the brand-new album by notorious producer Spanish Ran and MC Al-Doe withFabolous as the sole feature. This one definitely ain’t one to fuck with.
I feel like he should start naturally with the production after the massive statement he made on the last one he dropped earlier this year, and somehow (if you can believe it) he’s back bigger and stronger than he was a mere month ago.
I want to reference the second track -Methlehem, where he literally samples a cackle. That shit is insane! That’s something I can genuinely say I’ve never heard a rap song before, and it goes surprisingly hard! From there, the album only gets more grandiose and cinematic in nature.
For example, the track -Holy Family with those intricate piano keys, thick bass, and thudding drums that come together in a skeletal yet beautifully crafted track! (Not to mention the dope verse from Fabolous.)
I also love how he lets the pianos let the instrumental ride off into the next with some light vocal samples!
The song -Tennessee was another standout to me. First of all, that gorgeous intro section of piano melodies that transformed into this elegant piece of hip-hop orchestra with some heavy bass atmosphere and a traditional/old-school drum beat that complements the piano chords beautifully!
Another formula I find on this album is the act of using ‘less is more’ to create classic bangers that remain memorable and hypnotic in the listener’s head!
Hell, we can look at the track -Broken Prayers, which has so many theatrical elements that it’s hard to count them all. Firstly, I love the use of vocal choir/chanting harmonies! It gave this song a strong tribal feel!
Combine that with the haunting piano keys and thudding bass, and you have a magical track that feels like you could summon angels and demons with it!
I also love how they sampled the same sample as the -21 Savage & Metro Boomin track -Runnin’ and even so much as Al Doe paying homage with a similar style verse and flow! I loved it.
All this to say that Spanish is making himself the new STANDARD to beat in the culture, and he’s gonna be a tough bar to even reach, let alone surpass!
When we talk about Al-Doe, a man whose last Spotify album was in 2023! Coming back 3 years later, working alongside this powerhouse of a producer, you know shit is getting hectic, and I’d argue he’s delivered some of the best performances we’ve heard all year so far!
This album is 52 minutes long, and he doesn’t take a SECOND of it to slow down or take a breather; he’s all go till the end.
On this album, he’s absolutely brilliant in his verbal crafts. From storytelling to the gritty street bars and everything in between. His unmatched fluency to switch between a variety of different variations from fast-paced, more methodical, personalised, introspective, street/drug raps, and more.
It feels like he’s been carrying the 3 years on his shoulders like his own personal conviction to make sure he MURDERS the next studio album he drops, and now the world gets to see just how insane he really is on the mic.
I love his natural charisma, his confidence behind the mic. The way he’s able to engage the audience with nothing more than solid penmanship and wordplay. Every verse felt like a masterclass in lyricism, flow, puns, one-liners, vivid bars, and more.
It’s also impressive (besides one track) that he rocked this whole album solo. He knows he’s the man by himself, and he just proved it on here! 48 minutes all by himself, and it was a completely captivating listen!
This could be the most dangerously solid listen all year. From mythical production to thrilling verses, this one should be on everyone’s list to listen! Link below!
https://open.spotify.com/album/5dveZqDnr4OkS22hfTkO6f?si=7OSlmbwXTjyz_t-m4cnd2Q
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