From a momentum standpoint, releasing Hit-Boy’s debut album (and debut of rapping, for that matter) makes sense considering the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album Cruel Summer is coming out next month, which may include a verse from him. Better known as the producer behind “Ni**as In Paris” and more recently Kanye West’s “Cold,” Hit-Boy adamantly vies for a spot within the house that ‘Ye built on HITstory; the declaration is promising at best.
Bringing listeners up to speed on his journey thus far, the opening title track gives a play-by-play recount of how he came up through the industry. Over swaying strings and an ascending melody, Hit-Boy is determined to make the transition from budding beat maker to wordsmith. He shows even more potential on “Fan,” a role reversal record that finds the California-native craving his latest affection. With signature drums pulsing and a synth line drawing parallels to “Ni**as In Paris,” Hit-Boy’s delivery fits perfectly in the pocket. Perhaps a conclusion to “Fan,” the next song “She Belongs To The City” carries a more somber tone as he discovers his supposed sweetheart acting mendaciously.
While Hit-Boy gives listeners shades of personal material, the bulk of HITstory relies on brazen cuts (“Busta A** Ni**as,” “Option”), while in other instances the production overshadows his lyrical skills altogether (“Brake Lights,” “East vs. West”). Then there’s the matter of Hit-Boy finding his own voice as an emcee. To be fair, he does a great impression of an individual sounding like a rapper. With that said, the lack of continuity on HITstory interrupts the albums execution. Case in point: the piercing irony on “Option” when Hit-Boy raps, “Trying to steal my style but it’s no way,” as he then proceeds to jack Big Sean’s cadence minus the inflections.
“This is Freshman Adjustment meets Late Registration,” Hit-Boy boasts on “Jay-Z Interview,” a seemingly triumphant record centered around crisped production from BINK!. Certainly not lacking the confidence or passion, Hit-Boy could find himself in step with his G.O.O.D. Music brethren down the road. For now though, small doses of Chauncey Hollis will suffice.
The fuck is 2 Chainz review?
that shit better get a 1
fuck 2 chainz. maybe if he stayed in the lane he was in on mercy itd be worth checking out but no hes literally just another typical trap/street rapper talking the same shit on the same beats. I honestly don’t get how a grown ass man can sound so stupid and retarded when he talks. smfh.
Pleasantly surprised by how good this is although I’m not sure if it’s a mixtape or a album??? Defiantly don’t think this dude will be a star but he will find he’s niche.
3 stars??? LOOOOOL. This is 3 1/2 MINIMUM.
HHDX tripping once again
yeah they were so off…
/sarcasm
Yeah I though it was better then 3 stars, at least 4, maybe 4 1/2.
no, 3 stars is about right
Don’t sleep ya’ll
Dope productions, but Hit-Boy needs to improve his flow.
This is a harsh review. The mixtape has some fresh tracks. I doubt hit boy will be the next yeezy, but what’s exciting and marketable about hit boy is his career mirrors ye’s. Lol the Jay z interview video is like an updated version of through the wire video. He’s right where ye was at age 25. Everyone views hit boy as a producer first and rapper second, just like everyone viewed ye in 2002. I want to see who ye brings up in the game like J brought up ye.
no one like contrived imitation, youre trying too hard to repeat history and it just comes off as insincere. same way his through the wire rip off came off. no one needs a yeezy story 2.0. Do something new ffs
I like the review but it failed to talk on songs like ‘Running in place’. That was a very refelctive track.
Anyways all the best to Hit-Boy. We aren’t giving him a chance just like you did Kanye back in ’01/’02.
This is NOT an album, damn DX
b
i didnt hear this yet,but the track wit kid cudi is SICK hip-hop…if the albums anythin like it,its classic
Stick to producing for others kid, your mic work aint cuttin it
you aiit kid
hhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmm
hottest mixtape this year so far, nuff said. hit boy can rap sing and make wonderful beats
he aint no crooked i, chino or canibus but he got skills
well you’d think the guy who made a song paying tribute to 2pac and the notorious b.i.g would have more than one good song. oh well
Dope