Production credits are the main draw on albums like For The Record. As in, “It’s got a Premo joint, a Pete Rock joint, and some Illmind/Khrysis shit.” Torae’s new album is better than that. He’s consistent enough that the beats serve him and not the other way around.
Torae is a no nonsense rapper from Coney Island with a strong voice and a vintage flow. He’s a logical poster boy for rap revivalists and owns whatever DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Marco Polo throw at him with aggressive battle raps. He avoids the darker stuff in favor of ever elaborate boasts. For The Record has a loose narrative about the delusions of rap stardom, but it never becomes a concept album. Sonically, it’s all over the place. There’s the expected boom bap, but also plenty of shiny studio finish and R&B hooks. “You Ready” is rumbling and gritty while “What It Sound Like” is just as hard but more futuristic. “Over You” finds Torae in a crossover moment, albeit comfortably so.
For The Record has something for all kinds of rap fans without stretching itself too thin. More than a stolid Illmatic clone
Listen to the whole album here and grab the title track below.
There are no comments
Add yours