Since you asked who’s singing on Angelz lol, I am with Sharina Castillo 🙂 I’m also singing on Melt Session, Walkin, Mental, and Zatoichi (with Shawn K and Gaby Duran) 🖤 Happy you like Angelz so much. It was an amazing experience creating that one.
@@jesuspernia8031 agreed. On first listen a couple tracks in the middle, namely X-Wing and Trouble didn’t really land for me but on a couple relistens, I love every track
I like how Denzel opens up about being molested as a child on the first track, compared to on Taboo's first song, where he created this personification of that scarring event in the form of a girl named Taboo. Both are excellent songs but it shows the difference between both projects and how they tackle their subject matter. This project is phenomenal and this Friday drop, in general, is nuts with great music from Latto, Tyler, Rocky, etc...
Really enjoyed this album! And to hear the Mac reference on 'X-Wing', next to the greats like Tupac and Biggie makes me happy that he's getting the recognition he deserved after his passing. Most Dope forever
omg listened to that as first song as a mac and denzel fan, man wth is his flow, way too much autotune, wtf is this beat, he just feels like a carti rip off. sad.
Time stamps: 01. Melt Session #1 (feat. Robert Glasper) 1:16 02. Walkin (alr did a reaction) 03. Worst Comes to Worst 2:58 04. John Wayne (feat. Buzzy Lee) 4:21 05. The Last 6:30 06. Mental (feat. Saul Williams and Bridget Perez) 8:19 07. Troubles (feat. T-Pain) 8:57 08. Ain’t No Way (feat. 6LACK, Rico Nasty, and JID) 10:40 09. X-Wing 11:30 10. Angelz 13:10 11. The Smell of D3ath 14:31 12. Sanjuro (feat. 454) 15:06 13. Zatoichi (feat. slowthai) (alr listened too) 14. The Ills 15:33
Ta13oo is a personal favorite, but it's been out for about 4 years so it's almost unfair to really compare the albums this early. I couldn't say which I liked more until I've sat with it for a little longer.
This feels like Taboo’s sequel, it’s almost like reckoning with all those past introspections and explorations of emotions creates both a new perspective and a refined perspective which is how I see MMESYF. However, it’s still hard to compare Denzel’s albums/EP’s given how diverse they are in almost every aspect; it’s like comparing Kendrick’s discography where you can’t say there’s a “bad” record as it more depends on what you’re looking for when going through their discography. Denzel is easily one of the top artist in the past two decades and still filled with so much potential for the future.
Imperial, Ta13oo, maybe Zuu, and MMESYF all feel like their own stories but are also continuations of the same story. Imperial is someone who’s unknown and fighting to get heard, Ta13oo is him getting heard but falling into darkness and drugs with the fame, Zuu is him reflecting how where he came from, and MMESYF is him fully accepting himself and thriving despite the bad around him
I really love how Denzel is able to put together very different sounding albums and have them all sound great in their own way. A few more records and he might honestly have one of the best rapper discographies
I love how Shawn took that time to give T-Pain his flowers. The man had a chokehold on an entire generation and influenced countless new artists. Mad respect to him. 🤞🏽
Denzel Curry and Anderson Paak. really grew A LOOOOOT since their XXL Freshman year in 2016. Gotta be one of the years with the biggest amount of success to this day(not saying it's the best, before yall start bitchin)
easily album of the year. there’s a couple of songs I’m not crazy about, but I don’t dislike a single song. Idk if I like it more than TA1300 but this is definitely a solid 9 for me
This album is the craziest album Denzel Curry has ever came up with it’s like old-school Denzel Curry with a modern polish and I love it it his most conceptual and lyrical album today also
I don't get how people don't just absolutely love Zatoichi. That shit makes me want to throw my headphones, do a quadruple backflip and proceed to combo my wall like a Tekken character.
@@jacobbradley2486 Nah man, its on the same level, if not better. Taboo has more bangers but the instrumentals and the variety on this is incredible, not one bad song
I think we often take for granted how good Shawn is at these reviews, especially for records that are so cinematic and artistic. The way he captures his thoughts and articulates it in such a descriptive way is a talent in itself. I also loved how he took a moment and got sentimental about giving t-pain his flowers. Overall he’s a great dude, and he provides GREAT content. Glad you enjoyed the record Shawn, keep being great bro 💪🏼
He just keeps getting better and better! And the track with Saul Williams?! And also, that T-Pain track is dope too! Ans Zaotachi (of however you spell it). But honestly, the best album of the year! He is just in a league all his own!
Loved so much about this album. Definitely one of my favorite Zel projects, it’s hard for me to rank this, Taboo and Unlocked. I love how experimental he got on this album, it felt like he was trying different styles across the whole album. The production is amazing the whole way through and I was never worried about that. Zel’s lyricism went to another level on this project for me. That transition from Melt Session to Walkin’ was a real ear worm for me, I’m a sucker for cool transitions, like the transition into Take My Breath off Dawn FM. It’s going to be one of my favorite projects of the year for sure.
This is Denzel’s best album imo. The transitions were great. The production was phenomenal. Good bars and good hooks and the features delivered. It’s a 9/10 for me first listen. Might even be rap album of the year so far but that may be too early to say.
I wouldn’t say in a Denzel fan (just because i haven’t explored his catalog r really) but its nice that somebody actually drops music consistently and has good albums. Truly shows how good he is at what he does
Already hearing this record multiple times and then seeing this video just makes me appreciate the record more. A truly masterful piece of work that deserves all the praise!
I truly believe this album is going to age like wine. I enjoyed it on first listen but something about the progression of the songs on the album just give me the feeling that I will enjoy the album more a year from now.
Just a note on the title and project as a whole. I thought it was really cool how his description of personal growth and seeing the bigger picture was melting his eyes, after he mentions in the first track being frozen. Now that his eyes have melted and hes aware of everything (cos he can see now) hes moving on a personal journey to self betterment. And zatoichi towards the end is like him rallying other and trying to melt their eyes to see the world around them in a world of consumerism and cover ups (I'm zatoichi leading the blind). Probably thinking way too deep and nerdy but I loved the project it is a whole ass vibe. Great video as well, always great to hear your thoughts
Nah you’re for sure not thinking too deep and denzel is a nerd himself lol. Subtle references to the title like what you mentioned around zatoichi is exactly the way an elite writer would string the thematics of a (semi-) conceptual album together, building on specific metaphors with terminology that implicitly refers to the overarching theme of the record, in a subtle but never disambiguous way.
I know how it’s a lil soon to say, but this is my favorite Denzel album since TA13OO..not saying Zuu and Unlocked weren’t good…but MELT MY EYEZ SEE YOUR FUTURE was just so great on first listen for me.
unlocked was far better than this, diet & lay it up alone drown any song from this project. so nevermind TA1300 & imperial, those 2 blow this album outta the water, melt your eyez is definetily better than zuu atleast.
I’ve been watching your channel since the X reactions when I was in high school now being in my 20s thank you for always being your self and just being so honest gives a lot of hope for some mitten bois Muskegon Heights represent
YES FINALLY. This album is so damn lyrically insane and I like how the album transitions into the singles. Ain’t no way is my favorite song, but X-Wing is a close 2nd. It’s hard to rate and compare his albums together because they’re all different topic areas but all good in their respective places. Album of the year in my opinion
I remember hearing imperial years ago and being super excited by his energy and potential, and listening while he's pieced his sound together has been fascinating
"Melt my eyes see your future" might be the coolest poetic way of saying "you sacrifice yourself to help others" at least that's what this album felt like to me he "melted" his eyes so he could help others with there futures.great album didn't find one song that I wanted to skip and on top of that it flew by so quickly I wanted more hope he puts out a deluxe.
Mahn, this is probably one of the best albums i've heard in years from start to finish. From beat selection, master flows, mix and mastering, authenticity... Denzel is elevating himself as a top tier Hip Hop artist of this new generation. Not to many artist can meet the hype and exceed expectations.
The JPEGMAFIA production on John Wayne was crazy. He’s gonna go down as a legend in the next twenty years mark my words. So ahead of his time it’s not even funny
I was surprised you weren't impressed and in love with that chorus on The Last. But that just shows everyone is different I guesss, I'm addicted to that part😁 Also that last track is just pure honesty and a good ass story. Fucking great album.
This was great man. I loved the production, the bars and all the things denzel is doin with his voice instead of just ya kno, loud and energetic. I definitely agree that this is probably one of his most mature albums and it does seem hes more introspective. Yeah man he unpacked alot with this album.
I used to dismiss Denzel as another Soundcloud rapper who made it big with a few bangers, but after starting to listen to his discography, I really gained an awful lot of respect for him. He is not afraid of being vulnerable and honest on his records, and he conceptualises his ideas better than 95 percent of rappers today. I'm glad he's in a better state of mental health nowadays, and that he had the courage to put out this album, that really is a more candid expression of the TA13OO content. Denzel continues to surprise me with his versatility when it comes to rapping over different kinds of beats, and with how well he can build believable messages through music. I hope he only continues to grow in popularity, and that he can live a happy life.
I loved this album massively! Personally I think Zatoichi is great track, any time I hear it I imagine myself engaging in a samurai sword fight or just hand to hand combat - it's great! From when I heard Walkin, I had a feeling that Zel was gonna actually be a lot more open in his music and I'm glad he proved me right because this was beautiful.
Man, one of his best album. AOTY contender and considering X-wing as a SOTY is probably up there too, for sure. One thing I really appreciate about Zel is he knows how to put up a perfect length for his record.
Yeah X-Wing is so fucking crazy, I’ve never heard Denzel use those effects like that before… he sounded like a mix of Gunna, Keem, and Travis on that shit, just goes to show his versatility
Yo idk if any of I have expierienced this but I’ve been watching Shawn for a while and I’ve always looked at his albums on the wall and over time I recognize more and more of them and it’s really cool to see how I’ve been surrounded by this music for so long yet I’ve never even thought about it
You voiced the same concerns with ZUU with the lack of publicity on the album. Both times he absolutely killed it and completely changed what we can expect from his music. Really loving all the variety he's been experimenting with and can't wait for more from him
So glad you reacted to this album. Personally feel like Denzel isn’t“as popular” or “rated” cause he’s not that mainstream. I could be wrong but thats just my perception. He’s so versatile and done so many features with artists outside his main genre. I hope he starts getting more overall respect from hiphop/rap audiences
This is a great album. Best hip-hop album of 2022 so far. Favorites: Walkin, Ain't No Way, X-Wing Sidenote: X-Wing just transports you to the most beautiful Asian landscape. Hoping that he makes a nice creative video for that with an Asian landscape setting.
Homeboy Sandman talked about it in some detail on his track called trauma. It's pretty disturbing, but I really appreciate people bringing it to light and exposing it instead of keeping it as a taboo subject.
It’s refreshing to see other ppl in their mid to late 20’s feeling the same way I do. My early twenties were really wild but these last few years I’ve poured a lot energy into introspection so that I can refocus. The space I’m creating now for myself to grow spiritually is allowing my horizons to reach spaces I wasn’t even aware of when I was younger. It’s something about this back half of millennials that really show a growth and self awareness that I fail to see in a lot of older generations…but maybe I need to keep broadening.
It’s probably too soon to say but this album is an easy 9 and possibly a 10. It could end up being album of the year and might even become a modern classic. Absolutely amazing.
The first 1/3 was a bit of a warm-up but easily the best stuff Denzel has put out overall. 8 for me rn and depending on the replay of it it might hit a 9
Yo, my man! Excellent review! There is not many reviewers that I watch, more than once... But, your view on it, with some "on personal level", versus the typical "does it bang" was really refreshing. I really enjoyed the album and I glad you reaffirmed a lot of what I got out of it... And I got 19 years on ya, so I felt a lot of that natural, almost retro 70's/80's/90's seeping into his repertoire. Instant Sub and Bell hit... Thanks for the review. *Side note: I feel like 'Unlocked' makes more sense, now... He ego flexed and experimented, so that he could hone in on the soul for this.
Really loving this album. Easily my favorite Zel project yet, it's super mature, thought provoking, verried yet cohesive, catchy but still substantive.
Yo Shawn listen to 454s EP, the samples are INSANE. Frank Ocean promoted 454 like a year ago on his website and I've been hooked since. He's much more ethereal and wavey on his EP, the song on this album he's way more cutting into the beat like a 42 Dugg rather than riding it.
This album top 3 to me this year next to Few Good Things by Saba and No Thanks by Supa Bwe. You gotta peep No Thanks it’s no skips and it deserves so much more love
I’m not ready for this review. In only listened to the album 2x. I like how smooth and cohesive it is. Also a side note: I love this album cover. It’s one of the best album covers I’ve seen in a while
2022 is a great year for music so far. Conway, Benny, and Zel have aoty contenders and it's only February. Can't wait Pusha T, Freddie, Joey, Lupe, and Kendrick to drop
Since you asked who’s singing on Angelz lol, I am with Sharina Castillo 🙂
I’m also singing on Melt Session, Walkin, Mental, and Zatoichi (with Shawn K and Gaby Duran) 🖤
Happy you like Angelz so much. It was an amazing experience creating that one.
You did your mf thing
@@Ketsado thank you 😊
Nice
You’re amazing 🙏
Yoo what it do, amazing work on the album bridget
Y'all are sleeping on the transitions in this album. They're actually so clean
fr tho - i feel like Shawn never notices cuz he goes song by song
The transition from Mental to Troubles is crazy
@@luminouskiwi1104 Yep, Mental to Troubles and Melt Session to Walkin
Smell of death to sanjuro go hard
@Tack Draas im not impatient lmao
the variety on this album is insane, denzel outdid himself
He don't miss 😭
Facts. The worst songs on this album I don’t even dislike
Honestly this and Taboo are relatively flawless albums. Even their worst tracks are worth being the best on another project
@@realmaximouse
At first listen I was thinking this was about an 8.5/10 (which is low for Denzel standards) but now I’m thinking it’s a lot higher.
@@jesuspernia8031 agreed. On first listen a couple tracks in the middle, namely X-Wing and Trouble didn’t really land for me but on a couple relistens, I love every track
I like how Denzel opens up about being molested as a child on the first track, compared to on Taboo's first song, where he created this personification of that scarring event in the form of a girl named Taboo. Both are excellent songs but it shows the difference between both projects and how they tackle their subject matter.
This project is phenomenal and this Friday drop, in general, is nuts with great music from Latto, Tyler, Rocky, etc...
I was surprised by how good lattos album was
Yeah especially because of him saying “Taboo and I are in the same boat” in Black Balloons like the planning and patience that went into that is crazy
That Nigo album goes hard overall
@@coltondoyle5894 on god, L&F Freestyle 2019 especially
@@yungkunk6287 it was ok
Really enjoyed this album! And to hear the Mac reference on 'X-Wing', next to the greats like Tupac and Biggie makes me happy that he's getting the recognition he deserved after his passing. Most Dope forever
omg listened to that as first song as a mac and denzel fan, man wth is his flow, way too much autotune, wtf is this beat, he just feels like a carti rip off. sad.
@@Sam-hk7xt hell no u buggin😂
@@Sam-hk7xt - someone who has never listened to Playboi Carti
@@Sam-hk7xt Nah u gotta be trolling
@@Sam-hk7xt what bootleg of x-wing did you listen to?
Time stamps:
01. Melt Session #1 (feat. Robert Glasper) 1:16
02. Walkin (alr did a reaction)
03. Worst Comes to Worst 2:58
04. John Wayne (feat. Buzzy Lee) 4:21
05. The Last 6:30
06. Mental (feat. Saul Williams and Bridget Perez) 8:19
07. Troubles (feat. T-Pain) 8:57
08. Ain’t No Way (feat. 6LACK, Rico Nasty, and JID) 10:40
09. X-Wing 11:30
10. Angelz 13:10
11. The Smell of D3ath 14:31
12. Sanjuro (feat. 454) 15:06
13. Zatoichi (feat. slowthai) (alr listened too)
14. The Ills 15:33
You dropped this king 👑
THIS IS MY BRO BTW!!!!! HE KAYAKED TO CANADA FROM BANGLADESH !!!
Thanks cutie pie 😘
You deserve no traffic when you drive anywhere
@@armghaan we don’t care
the way t pain slide in that song was too smooth. got an eargasm
haven't seen you in a bit but your still everywhere
Definitely Zel’s most lyrically complex album yet, TA13OO is probably still my favorite from him but this is top tier
agreed
Same here
disagree
I agree probably his most polished album but TA1300 is hard to top, love both!
Ta13oo is a personal favorite, but it's been out for about 4 years so it's almost unfair to really compare the albums this early. I couldn't say which I liked more until I've sat with it for a little longer.
This feels like Taboo’s sequel, it’s almost like reckoning with all those past introspections and explorations of emotions creates both a new perspective and a refined perspective which is how I see MMESYF. However, it’s still hard to compare Denzel’s albums/EP’s given how diverse they are in almost every aspect; it’s like comparing Kendrick’s discography where you can’t say there’s a “bad” record as it more depends on what you’re looking for when going through their discography.
Denzel is easily one of the top artist in the past two decades and still filled with so much potential for the future.
Imperial, Ta13oo, maybe Zuu, and MMESYF all feel like their own stories but are also continuations of the same story. Imperial is someone who’s unknown and fighting to get heard, Ta13oo is him getting heard but falling into darkness and drugs with the fame, Zuu is him reflecting how where he came from, and MMESYF is him fully accepting himself and thriving despite the bad around him
the album is supposed to be the album after taboo
I really love how Denzel is able to put together very different sounding albums and have them all sound great in their own way. A few more records and he might honestly have one of the best rapper discographies
fr
he really be on that kendrick/ kanye shit
I don't think he'll drop any more than 1-2 more tbh
@@brodiddly as much as i hate to say I agree
Unlocked 2 maybe next year?
I love how Shawn took that time to give T-Pain his flowers. The man had a chokehold on an entire generation and influenced countless new artists. Mad respect to him. 🤞🏽
Denzel Curry and Anderson Paak. really grew A LOOOOOT since their XXL Freshman year in 2016. Gotta be one of the years with the biggest amount of success to this day(not saying it's the best, before yall start bitchin)
if we are being honest, denzel stood out in that xxl freshman year.
Damn anderson dropped yes lawd in 2016 which was my favorite to this day by him
Still cant believe lil dicky was there too
Honestly just about everyone in that class is doing well.
Both had already dropped really good albums before that year imo
The musical variety on this is absolutely wild and honestly it all works. I don't give a shit, the drum and bass on Zatoichi is hype.
Thank you I love Zatoichi
I didn’t like it at first but after a few times it really grew on me🙌🏼
I love Zatoichi too
zatoichi one of my favs
There's a lot to like on the song. To me, it's a shame that the chorus' lyrics are... Not great.
easily album of the year. there’s a couple of songs I’m not crazy about, but I don’t dislike a single song. Idk if I like it more than TA1300 but this is definitely a solid 9 for me
yeah same, the weakest points were never entire songs, just fleeting moments for me
Nigga the year started like 2 months ago
@@lordofcinder668 yeah and kendrick dropping this year so idk bout album of the year lol
@@pauL-jb9gb hopefully we get new Kendrick but it’s not confirmed
@@hshaosoowkw7420 it’s pretty likely to come out in the summer or sumn i thought
This album is the craziest album Denzel Curry has ever came up with it’s like old-school Denzel Curry with a modern polish and I love it it his most conceptual and lyrical album today also
Easy 9 and I'd argue a 10. Insane album
TALK TO 'EM
Fr only disliked john wayne album was so good. My favorite project from him
Fantano: light 8
@@alexanderg.i1991 just wait for a 7
@@batmanjpeg nah fantanos known for giving Denzel strictly 8s
I don't get how people don't just absolutely love Zatoichi.
That shit makes me want to throw my headphones, do a quadruple backflip and proceed to combo my wall like a Tekken character.
This is largely the first of Denzel I've heard and that track absolutely slaps lmao
we don't like slowthai
@@phoenixsmokes Speak for yourself. Slowthai is fire
@@Ramirez_477 i'm speaking for the people who "don't absolutely love Zatoichi"
@@phoenixsmokes i dont like the song, thai is the best part of the track
Denzel's best album in my opinion. Easily album of the year so far for me.
I second this
I third this
Not even close to taboo for me
@@jacobbradley2486 Nah man, its on the same level, if not better. Taboo has more bangers but the instrumentals and the variety on this is incredible, not one bad song
@@adlad3199 fair that's your opinion, but let him have his
I think we often take for granted how good Shawn is at these reviews, especially for records that are so cinematic and artistic. The way he captures his thoughts and articulates it in such a descriptive way is a talent in itself. I also loved how he took a moment and got sentimental about giving t-pain his flowers. Overall he’s a great dude, and he provides GREAT content. Glad you enjoyed the record Shawn, keep being great bro 💪🏼
Shawn been on point with the reactions since he started out, bro got an intelligent and analytical mind.
He just keeps getting better and better! And the track with Saul Williams?! And also, that T-Pain track is dope too! Ans Zaotachi (of however you spell it). But honestly, the best album of the year! He is just in a league all his own!
Loved so much about this album. Definitely one of my favorite Zel projects, it’s hard for me to rank this, Taboo and Unlocked. I love how experimental he got on this album, it felt like he was trying different styles across the whole album. The production is amazing the whole way through and I was never worried about that. Zel’s lyricism went to another level on this project for me. That transition from Melt Session to Walkin’ was a real ear worm for me, I’m a sucker for cool transitions, like the transition into Take My Breath off Dawn FM. It’s going to be one of my favorite projects of the year for sure.
This is Denzel’s best album imo. The transitions were great. The production was phenomenal. Good bars and good hooks and the features delivered. It’s a 9/10 for me first listen. Might even be rap album of the year so far but that may be too early to say.
The transitions on this album were so good.
For me it’s a 7 but I can tell it’s gonna grow on me more , watching this reaction made me feel the songs more than I already was
@@salvadortapia5558 I thought ZUU was a 7 but after relistens it's def a strong 9 to me now
Facts it's either him or tyler new shit whenever it drops
This album fire asf I agree I'll give it a 9 as well but for me it's a close second for Denzel's best since his best will always be TA13OO
I saw Run The Jewels in concert a few years back and one of the opening acts was Denzel, so that RTJ line on 'Ain't No Way' made me smile
RTJ 4 bangs so hard need that on right after this video
@@zacharyprice4974 my man, good taste 👍
I wouldn’t say in a Denzel fan (just because i haven’t explored his catalog r really) but its nice that somebody actually drops music consistently and has good albums. Truly shows how good he is at what he does
man I was waiting on this one been listening to Walkin and X-Wing all day 🔥
On God
This isn't just AOTY. This is a modern classic from Denzel.
It's not even summer yet, chill
Bro calling the album a classic on the day it came out ☠️☠️☠️
denzel dickriding is crazy lmao this is good but aint no modern classic
Relax g
@@DuSeun lmao
this album gone be on repeat for next month.. I love how all the songs blend in and to me I see it in a Dune like setting.. a futuristic desert
Yeah it’s atmospheric as hell like Dune
Been waiting for this all day
Denzel literally just said imma put every style on this song and he did it.
Loved this album so much, easy front to back 9 or 10 out of 10, shits beautiful
Already hearing this record multiple times and then seeing this video just makes me appreciate the record more. A truly masterful piece of work that deserves all the praise!
Considering the different producers on each track the transitions were fire
Been waiting for this REACTION 🔥🔥🔥
I’ve been on the T-Pain Praise Train for YEARS. I love that man as an artist and as a person who always gives back to the industry and new comers
Really hope there is a vol 2 for this project no skip tracks for me just food for the soul wanting more kind of vibe
I truly believe this album is going to age like wine. I enjoyed it on first listen but something about the progression of the songs on the album just give me the feeling that I will enjoy the album more a year from now.
Just a note on the title and project as a whole. I thought it was really cool how his description of personal growth and seeing the bigger picture was melting his eyes, after he mentions in the first track being frozen. Now that his eyes have melted and hes aware of everything (cos he can see now) hes moving on a personal journey to self betterment. And zatoichi towards the end is like him rallying other and trying to melt their eyes to see the world around them in a world of consumerism and cover ups (I'm zatoichi leading the blind). Probably thinking way too deep and nerdy but I loved the project it is a whole ass vibe. Great video as well, always great to hear your thoughts
i copied ur comment and got 7 likes
😎 😎
@@armghaan cant knock the hustle 😂😭
Nah you’re for sure not thinking too deep and denzel is a nerd himself lol. Subtle references to the title like what you mentioned around zatoichi is exactly the way an elite writer would string the thematics of a (semi-) conceptual album together, building on specific metaphors with terminology that implicitly refers to the overarching theme of the record, in a subtle but never disambiguous way.
1:05 Robert Glasper just dropped Black Radio III. One of my favs of this year.
In love with this project rn, some of his best work imo
YESSS BEEN WAITING FOR THIS
Denzel keeps consistently delivering classics
I know how it’s a lil soon to say, but this is my favorite Denzel album since TA13OO..not saying Zuu and Unlocked weren’t good…but MELT MY EYEZ SEE YOUR FUTURE was just so great on first listen for me.
zuu and unlocked were like mixtapes
@@gbrl433 Zel considers Zuu to be an album…but you right, Unlocked is more of a tape/EP
Idk first listen didn't blow me away, might be though because I prefer aggressive denzel, on second listen I liked it a bit better
@@francescoalexgiacalone878 I feel it. I just like the change in energy and direction in Zel’s music like he does w/every project.
unlocked was far better than this, diet & lay it up alone drown any song from this project.
so nevermind TA1300 & imperial, those 2 blow this album outta the water, melt your eyez is definetily better than zuu atleast.
I’ve been watching your channel since the X reactions when I was in high school now being in my 20s thank you for always being your self and just being so honest gives a lot of hope for some mitten bois Muskegon Heights represent
This is the first time I've seen one of your videos and man I love the way you break everything down and expand it's incredible
YES FINALLY. This album is so damn lyrically insane and I like how the album transitions into the singles. Ain’t no way is my favorite song, but X-Wing is a close 2nd. It’s hard to rate and compare his albums together because they’re all different topic areas but all good in their respective places. Album of the year in my opinion
I love the last and x-wing is also my 2nd favorite. Also I think this is album of the year as well (so far)
@@travisscottburber5719 the last is my favorite too
@@brysonb1930 yeah its fire and I think its one of Denzels best choruses.
This album cover is so wavy
Probably also one of my favorite Denzel projects. Just was able to sit down and listen to the full thing today, but definitely keeping it in rotation
I remember hearing imperial years ago and being super excited by his energy and potential, and listening while he's pieced his sound together has been fascinating
"Melt my eyes see your future" might be the coolest poetic way of saying "you sacrifice yourself to help others" at least that's what this album felt like to me he "melted" his eyes so he could help others with there futures.great album didn't find one song that I wanted to skip and on top of that it flew by so quickly I wanted more hope he puts out a deluxe.
Mahn, this is probably one of the best albums i've heard in years from start to finish. From beat selection, master flows, mix and mastering, authenticity... Denzel is elevating himself as a top tier Hip Hop artist of this new generation. Not to many artist can meet the hype and exceed expectations.
This album is something special , both production and vibe 🌊🔥😩
The JPEGMAFIA production on John Wayne was crazy. He’s gonna go down as a legend in the next twenty years mark my words. So ahead of his time it’s not even funny
The guy's unparalleled right now it's scary to witness his trajectory
it's fucking crazyyy
Can't wait to hear more from him as a producer for other artists. Like a reverse Kanye trajectory!
it's unbelievable. he's insanely talented.
I can't be the only one that really dislikes most of his production. Just feels like a mess. John Wayne easily the worst track on the record.
I was surprised you weren't impressed and in love with that chorus on The Last. But that just shows everyone is different I guesss, I'm addicted to that part😁
Also that last track is just pure honesty and a good ass story. Fucking great album.
This album is amazing, definitely going to be the top 5-10 albums of the year.
This was great man. I loved the production, the bars and all the things denzel is doin with his voice instead of just ya kno, loud and energetic. I definitely agree that this is probably one of his most mature albums and it does seem hes more introspective. Yeah man he unpacked alot with this album.
😗 was waiting for this
I used to dismiss Denzel as another Soundcloud rapper who made it big with a few bangers, but after starting to listen to his discography, I really gained an awful lot of respect for him. He is not afraid of being vulnerable and honest on his records, and he conceptualises his ideas better than 95 percent of rappers today. I'm glad he's in a better state of mental health nowadays, and that he had the courage to put out this album, that really is a more candid expression of the TA13OO content. Denzel continues to surprise me with his versatility when it comes to rapping over different kinds of beats, and with how well he can build believable messages through music. I hope he only continues to grow in popularity, and that he can live a happy life.
I loved this album massively! Personally I think Zatoichi is great track, any time I hear it I imagine myself engaging in a samurai sword fight or just hand to hand combat - it's great!
From when I heard Walkin, I had a feeling that Zel was gonna actually be a lot more open in his music and I'm glad he proved me right because this was beautiful.
this album brought so many feelings out of me. denzel absolutely perfected this.
I was waiting for this one.
I knew this album would be good, but I don’t know it would be this good. Seriously his best album since TA13OO and AOTY for me
Yeah I didnt think it would beat ta13oo but its probably tied for me right now
@@travisscottburber5719 no wayyyyyyy
@@2Namii Look Ima be honest they are both tied as my favorite album ever.
Man, one of his best album. AOTY contender and considering X-wing as a SOTY is probably up there too, for sure. One thing I really appreciate about Zel is he knows how to put up a perfect length for his record.
So true about perfect length. For a conceptual album really hits
I knew I wasn’t trippin about X-wing 😂😂 that song is heat.
Yeah X-Wing is so fucking crazy, I’ve never heard Denzel use those effects like that before… he sounded like a mix of Gunna, Keem, and Travis on that shit, just goes to show his versatility
The strings on x-wing are to die for, but not crazy about the hook. Defiantly not the worst on the album like a lot of people say it is.
Yo idk if any of I have expierienced this but I’ve been watching Shawn for a while and I’ve always looked at his albums on the wall and over time I recognize more and more of them and it’s really cool to see how I’ve been surrounded by this music for so long yet I’ve never even thought about it
You voiced the same concerns with ZUU with the lack of publicity on the album. Both times he absolutely killed it and completely changed what we can expect from his music. Really loving all the variety he's been experimenting with and can't wait for more from him
So glad you reacted to this album. Personally feel like Denzel isn’t“as popular” or “rated” cause he’s not that mainstream. I could be wrong but thats just my perception. He’s so versatile and done so many features with artists outside his main genre. I hope he starts getting more overall respect from hiphop/rap audiences
This is a great album. Best hip-hop album of 2022 so far.
Favorites: Walkin, Ain't No Way, X-Wing
Sidenote: X-Wing just transports you to the most beautiful Asian landscape. Hoping that he makes a nice creative video for that with an Asian landscape setting.
The strings on x-wing are so good
It’s been 3/4 of a year and I still listen to this project weekly and it gets better with every listen.
hope this year is full of album like this denzel killed it
Were getting all these T-Pain features cause he finally checked his requests, he mentioned it on his twitch stream i think
I dead ass did myself a disservice and slept on this album for almost a year. This album is amazing and is definitely in my top 5 rap albums of 2022.
Subscribed not just because I love Denzel but also because I can see Weyes Blood and Fleet Foxes on the wall
Great body of work. absolute highlight this year with Sick!
love this album, just sad to see people not feelin zatoichi i think slowthais distorted vocals are great and zel puts out some good verses
probably my favorite track on the whole album, whoever thinks that is wack imo
I didn’t feel it at first listen but it’s grown on me so much
Yeah it's like tied rn for my fav song on the project
this might be a stupid comment but i feel like if you enjoy jpeg's music you'll enjoy zatoichi immediately
@@LanceWillMakeIt no, that makes a LOT of sense for why i like zatoichi so much. Saw peggy live last year o3o
Kaleidoscopic! That is the prefect word! That feel stays consistent throughout the entire album and you caught it on track 2.
I really love this project gonna see him in Salt lake this weekend 🔥🔥
Thank you, I got another album to add to the playlist🙏🏾🔥💯
The fact Denzel Curry and IDK both revealed being molested, it’s sad but I respect how transparent they’re willing to be in their music.
jpeg as well
@@MixAndMash I never knew that.
Homeboy Sandman talked about it in some detail on his track called trauma. It's pretty disturbing, but I really appreciate people bringing it to light and exposing it instead of keeping it as a taboo subject.
@@kiri7678 that name rings a bell, but I agree with you 100%
It’s a great album. I still haven’t quite figured out the concept yet, but it’ll take a few listens.
It’s refreshing to see other ppl in their mid to late 20’s feeling the same way I do.
My early twenties were really wild but these last few years I’ve poured a lot energy into introspection so that I can refocus. The space I’m creating now for myself to grow spiritually is allowing my horizons to reach spaces I wasn’t even aware of when I was younger.
It’s something about this back half of millennials that really show a growth and self awareness that I fail to see in a lot of older generations…but maybe I need to keep broadening.
It's always feels good to me seeing T-Pain receiving his flowers. mostly Him and Wayne made soundtracks for my high school life.
artistically one of his greatest albums hands down
It’s probably too soon to say but this album is an easy 9 and possibly a 10. It could end up being album of the year and might even become a modern classic. Absolutely amazing.
W Eva pfp
Saba still got AOTY for me but goddamn Denzel dropped an amazing album definitely a 9
The first 1/3 was a bit of a warm-up but easily the best stuff Denzel has put out overall. 8 for me rn and depending on the replay of it it might hit a 9
@@souluchiha4778 new Saba kinda mid. Care for me is way better
@@tinker2054 no, you wrong, new Saba was great, but I definitely think this album is better than the new Saba
Yo, my man! Excellent review!
There is not many reviewers that I watch, more than once... But, your view on it, with some "on personal level", versus the typical "does it bang" was really refreshing.
I really enjoyed the album and I glad you reaffirmed a lot of what I got out of it... And I got 19 years on ya, so I felt a lot of that natural, almost retro 70's/80's/90's seeping into his repertoire.
Instant Sub and Bell hit... Thanks for the review.
*Side note: I feel like 'Unlocked' makes more sense, now... He ego flexed and experimented, so that he could hone in on the soul for this.
Really loving this album. Easily my favorite Zel project yet, it's super mature, thought provoking, verried yet cohesive, catchy but still substantive.
Yo Shawn listen to 454s EP, the samples are INSANE. Frank Ocean promoted 454 like a year ago on his website and I've been hooked since. He's much more ethereal and wavey on his EP, the song on this album he's way more cutting into the beat like a 42 Dugg rather than riding it.
This album top 3 to me this year next to Few Good Things by Saba and No Thanks by Supa Bwe.
You gotta peep No Thanks it’s no skips and it deserves so much more love
I’m not ready for this review. In only listened to the album 2x. I like how smooth and cohesive it is. Also a side note: I love this album cover. It’s one of the best album covers I’ve seen in a while
Might just be Denzel’s best work yet. Loving this album
I really love this album. Best album he has made, I agree with you.
Shawn can I just say I’m proud of you for listening to the whole album thru even though u already heard that 1 track
Really enjoying this album - and really liked hearing your thoughts/insight! My favorite track is Zatoichi... LOL
melt session #1 might be top 10 album intros in the past decade imo
I didn't liked at all the first time heard it but i feel that the album grown on me, and it's growing fast
It's growing fast indeed lol
T-Pain gets constantly overlooked. His impact on the genre is ridiculously underrated. A lot of artists don't exist without what he did.
The goat music reviewer ❗️
Already aging like fine wine, not many albums where I love every single song. AOTY
the drums sound more unique 'cause they are inspired by drum'n'bass, nice mix of electronic, hip hop and jazz
This is my favorite album from Zel. Absolutely beautiful
2022 is a great year for music so far. Conway, Benny, and Zel have aoty contenders and it's only February. Can't wait Pusha T, Freddie, Joey, Lupe, and Kendrick to drop
I love the last track on the album