Judas and the Black Messiah
EPMD by Nas
Reviewed by Jamie Kreinces
If there’s one conclusion to be drawn from the track, it’s that Nas’ skills have aged like a fine Bordeaux wine.
On the third track of the album, Nas and Hit-Boy take us back in history while also bridging the gap between the old and new school sonics. Firstly, the title of the track references the hip-hop duo EPMD from Brentwood, NY. In the opening bar of the track, Nas uses double entendre to mention the 1992 EPMD comeback album “Back In Business” after the group separated while also alluding to the chemistry between him and Hit-Boy. This past year, Hit-Boy executive produced Nas’ “King’s Disease” which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 Chart, marking Nas’s 10th top 5 solo album.
Nas flawlessly rides the beat as he raps about our social media-driven culture and how mishandling information is coming at the expense of people in the streets. Nasty Nas name drops tech giants like Facebook, Amazon, and even the newly popularized audio-only platform Clubhouse.
“While you talkin’ on Clubhouse, the guns out
This ain’t a audio chat, boy, this audio crack
Social media platforms they rattin’ on
Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon””
Broad Day by Hit-Boy
Reviewed by Jamie K. + Chloe Jones
“Broad Day” immediately follows the notable and meditative Hov and Nipsey record “What It Feels Like”. The two tracks both feature the late Nipsey Hussle. At the start of the song, Nipsey asks, “Ay Hit, how we gonna lose with sh*t like this.” The one bar is telling of Hit-Boy and his knack for elevating artists with his exceptional productions. A recurring bar in the track from Hit-Boy has him claiming,
“I should A&R the game, pick you n***a’s beats”
I love a good flow switch and hit Boy does just that. He also includes a little old school with a sample of spread Your Wings by Troop and a shout out to Rodney B. There were a few indirect shots fired to the rap game as a whole, but the lyricism is amazing. You can tell Hit-boy has worked behind the scenes because his rhymes are far from basic. (Chloe)
In 2020, Hit-Boy executive produced commercially and critically successful albums for Nas, Big Sean (No.1 debut), and Benny The Butcher. However, this time we see Hit-Boy writing, producing, and performing on his own track. The record also speaks on the advantage of being a white artist in the music industry by comparing Eminem and former Shady records affiliate Obie Trice. Hit-Boy comments on the BLM movement over the past year by referencing protesters facing rubber bullets in the fight for equality and justice.
“You can’t sell like Eminem, you look like Obie Trice”
Welcome to America by Black Thought
Reviewed by Chloe Jones
Welcome to America is a chant, an anthem. Not only does it discuss the different America’s each Individual might experience, but it uplifts the black community. It discusses slavery,
My favorite Part is the second chorus, which combines the first chorus by C.S Armstrong with the bridge by Angela Hunte. The juxtaposition of the two parts is so important to the song. It works as a bridge between the moments of the song where we discuss the struggle (first chorus) and the fight (bridge). Not only does this song discuss the black struggle, but it is meant to uplift the black community and tell them to “keep on running”.
From the instrumental aspect, the violins, bass help to compliment the drums matching the strong lyrics as they build throughout the song. accompanied by a choir doing background vocals. The song is powerful overall. Perfect to be used in a movie. I’d love to see a dance done to this song.
On Your Mind by Lil Durk
Reviewed by Shernice Catron
Coming after hip hop veterans like Jay-Z, Nas, Black Thought and more it’s hard to imagine coming behind them and standing on your own, but on track 10 Chicago standout Lil Durk did not disappoint at all. “On Your Mind” is produced by Andyr, John Lam, & Dmac. The production definitely paints the picture of the Black man’s struggle before Durk even raps his first verse. Coping with trauma with drug abuse, staying grounded, and the fight to stay out the streets. Lil Durk a.k.a. The Voice of the streets is most known for his storytelling and this song describes the pain he lives with because of his many losses. The listeners could hear the pain in his voice and he delivered another flawless bearing of his soul.
“The graveyard had felt my pain, I put my knees in it”
Last Man Standing by Polo G
Reviewed by Shernice C.
Polo G came on the Hip Hop scene in 2019 with his breakout single “Pop Out” and has only picked up momentum since then.In 2020 he released his highly anticipated sophomore album, The Goat and Polo G continued to prove that Chicago rap is here to stay in the list of top cities with the most talented rappers of this generation. DJ Ayo and FrankGotThePack produced this track and it sticks to the sound that Polo G has been able to effortlessly execute in most of his biggest tracks, but he takes a completely different approach in the song with his lyricism. Like other Chicago native, Lil Durk, Polo G is known for illustrating his experiences while growing up in the streets and the struggles that come with being a young black man living in one of the hardest parts of Chicago. Polo G addresses police brutality and racism in America and how it has traumatized him and the black community. I’m not used to hearing Polo G giving a more political point of view, but I definitely appreciate it. His flow is consistent, but works very well for him and on every track he grows lyrically. He bridged the gap between racism in America when Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party in Chicago were infiltrated and the racism in America today by storytelling.
“They tried to change the rules, but shit ain’t goin’ how they planned it
Guarantee you I’m gon’ be the last man standing
Officer down, bodies droppin’, them shells landin’
Chi-town leader’ like Fred Hampton, uh”
“Plead the .45th” - Smino ft. Saba
Reviewed by Mishell Carey
Smino and Saba are back with another musical collaboration . This time for the box office movie Judas and The Black Messiah’s sound track.
Within the song the two rappers not only verbally illustrate their experiences of racism. Smino also beautifully provides historical context of the racism that his ancestors faced before the twentieth century within one line.
“I got a laundry list of lessons in Chicago lost. Runnin' from pagans, running with Reagan, now they with Donald Trump. I don't take nothin' too personal, play 50 Cent now my Kurtis Blow”
Throughout the song music listeners are able to hear the pain and the passion that the two rappers feel towards racism. While also hearing switches within flows and beautiful vocals provided by Smino. Although the two rappers both have different sounds, they were still able to maintain great chemistry within the track.
Letter 2 U - BJ The Chicago Kid
Reviewed by Mishell C.
BJ The Chicago Kid makes an appearance in Judas and The Black Messiah’s soundtrack. The Chicago R&B singer provides music listeners with a heartwarming love song. The singer’s vocals within Letters 2 U prove that he is definitely a soulful vocalist , and standout from today’s music industry’s norm.
I definitely loved this song and I recommend fellow music listeners keep an eye out for BJ The Chicago Kid’s future projects.
“What It Feels Like” by Nipsey Hussle & JAY-Z
Reviewed by All Team Members
From the moment the track-listing of the soundtrack was released, many people anticipated the release. One track in particular that grabbed many people's attention was, “What It Feels Like” with the late, Nipsey Hussle, and undisputed rap legend, JAY-Z.
In the track, Nipsey confidently raps about the pressure that comes with success in life and the music industry. In the verse, Nip assesses the work he’s put in and recognizes his stance in the rap game. He’s reflecting on his come up and juxtaposing his past with the fruits of his labor in the form of a nice watch.
““Young Malcolm, I’m the leader of this movement out this b**ch, look””
As a leader of his own community, Nipsey proceeds to reference minister and civil rights leader Malcom X, who was assassinated in 1965. The assassination would bring about The Black Panther Party which is the context of the film Judas and the Black Messiah. The end of the track is accompanied by vocalizing from English R&B/Soul singer Marsha Ambrosius.
It is safe to say that this track is undisputedly matched up to people's expectations. We all know that Hov’s lyrical versatility is unmatched compared to other rappers in the game. From mentioning the insurrection that took place at the nation's capitol in Washington DC to rewiring a familiar verse from his earlier project (Watch The Throne).
“I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died”
“I arrived on the day Fred Hampton got mur—, hol’ up
Assassinated, just to clarify further”
Go listen to “Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album”
on Apple Music, Spotify, or TIDAL
