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Album reviews Music

Danny Brown

Rating: NNN


Thirty-two might be a little old for an emcee who’s only recently entered the mainstream. But that’s not the “old” Danny Brown explores on his third full-length. At times, he examines his former self. At others, he explores the depressing aspects of aging ungracefully.

Throughout, his rhymes hit the mark, whether he’s painting a bleak picture of the Detroit streets, battling his own demons (loneliness, molly, more molly) or rapping at length about drug-dealing without glorifying it Rick Ross-style.

Lately the rapper’s been collabing with synthy indie bands including Montreal’s Polaris-short-listed Purity Ring, who feature on standout 25 Bucks. And his longstanding underground electronic influences show up in spades here, too. On Smokin & Drinkin’, Break It (Go) and Handstand, Brown’s intense rapping competes with particularly unrelenting beats, which will either induce a headache or the best dance party ever. Could it let up now and then, like his poppier singalongs Grown Up or Radio Song? Yeah, but maybe I’m just getting old.

Top track: 25 Bucks, featuring Purity Ring

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