Highlights across the album include the loungy, jazz-influenced beat on the aforementioned “Blackest in the Room” produced by The Alchemist, DJ Paul’s heavy, bassy, Memphis-style contribution on “PYS,” and James Blake’s moody, haunting composition on “Dark Hearted.” Each track has its own identity because of Gibbs’s ability to choose beats of disparate styles and then execute the appropriate flow for each song. While Gibbs’s reflections give the album a personality, the production is the glue that holds everything together. This balance of reflection and self-assurance is not unprecedented in hip-hop, but Gibbs’s unflinching willingness to confront these topics is nonetheless impressive. The heavy subject matter is presented in a way where Gibbs is not protesting as much as he is acknowledging and moving forward - his verse ultimately concludes that he will still pursue success despite these setbacks. “Lobster Omelette” is a great example of this, as Gibbs describes the crime that has constantly surrounded him and then transitions into sharp political commentary about a lack of support given to those in this cycle. Each time Gibbs touts his fame or wealth is accompanied by a moment to reflect on the hardships and the lifestyle that lead him there. The content of the lyrics is introspective throughout. However, Gibbs’s proficiency is not without substance. Each subsequent song sees Gibbs trying something new, and his technical ability ensures that he succeeds in every style he approaches. The third track, “Pain & Strife,” sees Gibbs singing the chorus before rapping in a quick trap style. The opener “Couldn’t Be Done” features a staccato flow complementing the victory lap Gibbs is taking lyrically, whereas the second track “Blackest in the Room” features a smoother, boom-bap approach. The first three tracks immediately set the expectation that Gibbs can apply himself to any part of a song with cold confidence that is unlike most other rappers today. The standout element for first-time Freddie Gibbs listeners is his flow and vocal flexibility. “$oul $old $eperately,” redeems Gibbs’ artistry by properly showcasing Gibbs’s versatility and skill through a series of well-produced tracks that range from boastful to introspective. However, Gibbs’s non-collaborative output has typically failed to live up to the high expectations set by these records, often lacking variety in both lyricism and production.
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