Charles Hamilton's "Ill Doesn't Meen Classic" presents itself as a mixtape rather than a full album, released back in July 2023. Here's a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
Raw Talent and Storytelling: Hamilton's raw lyricism and introspective storytelling shine through. Tracks like "FallInOutOfLove" and "Wake Up" showcase his vulnerability and emotional depth, while "None Of Y'all" and "No Swag" exhibit his sharp wit and social commentary.
Production Variety: The mixtape boasts diverse production, from the soulful boom-bap of "A Lot" to the dark, atmospheric tones of "Mushrooms and War." This keeps the listening experience fresh and engaging.
Eminem Co-Production: The closing track, "I Don't Care," co-produced by Eminem, is a standout. It showcases a strong chemistry between the two artists and offers a glimpse into what a full-fledged collaboration could be like.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Length and Quality: Some tracks like "Here We Go" and "Sleep On The Floor" feel brief and underdeveloped, leaving listeners wanting more. The overall length of the mixtape also feels slightly short, leaving room for further exploration of Hamilton's potential.
Occasional Lack of Focus: While his raw energy is commendable, Hamilton's delivery can sometimes veer into incoherence, particularly on faster tracks. Some might find his stream-of-consciousness lyricism challenging to follow.
Mixtape vs. Album Expectations: Labeling it a mixtape manages expectations, but also suggests unfinished potential. Fans might still crave the cohesion and thematic depth of a traditional album structure.
Overall:
"Ill Doesn't Meen Classic" is a promising showcase of Charles Hamilton's talent and potential. Despite some inconsistencies, it offers glimpses of brilliance and leaves listeners eager to hear more from him. This mixtape might not be an instant classic, but it serves as a strong stepping stone, demonstrating his artistic growth and hinting at an exciting future in the rap game.
Here are some additional points to consider when reviewing the album:
How does it compare to Hamilton's earlier releases?
How does it fit into the current hip-hop landscape?
Who would be the target audience for this mixtape?
By addressing these questions, you can create a more nuanced and comprehensive review that delves deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of "Ill Doesn't Meen Classic."
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The album was released in 2012. Jeeeeez...
