2016 was the year mumble rappers reigned supreme, consequently putting the more traditional pen-and-pad rappers behind the eight ball for mainstream success in 2017. This is nothing new, as we all know how much easier it is to build a buzz on the Internet by dabbing incessantly rather than busting an earth shattering freestyle with god-level bars. But rather than sit in a cypher and cry about it, Nick Grant is taking matters into his own hands and attempting to make lyrics once again, the main attraction with his debut album Return of the Cool.
His last release, A Seat at the Table +One, was actually quite a lukewarm offering and while he’s made better strides at songwriting this time around, he still tends to Salt Man meme sprinkle out freestyle bars opposed to any cooking with real substance. There are more than a few instances where he is just flexing his punchline pronator for the sake of it. For instance on “Bouncin’,” he raps “Kids slide up on you/Like pajamas with the feet in ’em” and “Know I keep that thing/Like when Lauryn dropped Doo Wop”, which are definitely above average similes but also could have boosted his Funk Flex, Sway In the Morning or Showoff Radio freestyles all the same. We’ve come to a point in rap music where hot lines aren’t enough to keep fans engaged — there needs to be more to the equation.
Ironically enough, on “Gotta Be More,” he tries to prove he’s got the “more” factor by denouncing all fellow contemporaries that apparently aren’t doing their lyrical due diligence. He spits “Niggas ain’t been rapping lately, guess I’m trapped in the 80s” which might be true to a certain extent but we’re pretty sure rappers in the 80s weren’t dropping Kim K bars like “Two hundred on a car dash with a trunkful of Ye”. Where are the stories about growing up in South Carolina? Where are the micro-n-macro storytelling cuts that resonate with millennials? Grant proves that he’s nice with the pen, sure, but after digesting this album, listeners may not walk away knowing anything more about the 28-year-old other than that he believes he’s better than everyone else.
Where Grant does earn his props on the project come courtesy of the fresh musicality and effort to make every song sound distinctly different. From the ferocious funk on Brentford All-Stars sampled “Get Up” to the timeless breaks of “Luxury Vintage Rap” (courtesy of the legendary Organized Noize), Grant handles each beat confidently. DJ Khalil, C Gutta, and of course, Karriem Riggins, all lend a hand to the production side making this Grant’s most well-produced project to date.
For an up-and-comer with much left to prove, Nick Grant does indeed have confidence that is “dripping, somebody wipe up the isle”. Throughout the album, he mentions at every turn how he is better than everyone else out but until he starts putting up real numbers and/or making a bigger impact on the current state of the game, he might need to re-evaluate what his “cool” really is.
Sun stop being arrogant. you think your already that dude. you need work on your song craft its more than just dope rhymes also pick slicker beats.
agreed, the production was pretty boring on this project, good lyrics but lacking substance
That album was and still is 5/5… yall can keep ur hating ass comments.. come on bruh.. this dude gave a broadway vibe to a hiphop album with slicker rhymes. And the productions/hooks were brilliant. I enjoyed every bit of it.. And for a new comer I was maddddddddddddddddd impressed.. Nice going nick grant
Truly the return of the cool!!!!
5 stars
Quality Hip hop right here y’all show love
i thought this review was spot on. My same sentiments exactly when i listened. Gifted lyricist, but this album needs more than just punchlines. It needs a story. And I like Nick Grant a lot but he’s still too raw for me to put ppl on him. A lot of dope lyrics, not a lot of dope songs. I hear the potential tho. Hope he continues to improves.
Great album with a positive message. Kid has mad potential. Reminds me of what Hip Hop used to be.
What a terrible review from this website. No wonder Hip Hop is in shambles. ” . . but until he starts putting up real numbers and/or making a bigger impact on the current state of the game, he might need to re-evaluate what his “cool” really is” Real numbers? This ain’t Drake. He’s not out to be a pop star. Once again, his website is hustling backwards. Quick to give a mumble 808 & Auto-Tune rapper a rave review, but sh*t on a positive talent.
*this website is hustling backwards. Quick to give an 808 and Auto-Tuned mumble rapper a rave review. Lost all credibility after this nonsense. Hip Hop needs artist like this. Nick’s got next.
This reveiew sucks! album is at least a 4 to 4.5!
Real shit! No Draking here!
This reveiew sucks! album is at least a 4 to 4.5! Real shit! No Draking here!
What a salty interview. The album is dope af. The latter half is masterful. The Biggie flow on on Return of the Cool is ill. 4.5
This project was dope….The review of this album sucks, I thought this was an above average album from Nick
agreed 100%
Cool lyrics, nothing new. beats were ok and that bounce track sounded Drake-ish.
This review doesn’t do the album justice. It’s clear that pure lyricism isn’t appreciated with these new hip hop fans. 4/5 easily
Wack ass review! For a new comer Nick Grant shitting on rappers
Great album.
This is one of the dopest rappers to come out in a while-and to think he has not arrived lyrically?– ☆This Grant is on coarse to the level of Nas.He pays respect to the originals,and is hungry as hell-with raw linguistical abilities. Take notes,all you wack hip-hop heads that have awful taste.Grant is 4 real
This opinion is fake as hell.No b body can ever top the King,M.CHammer!!!!#hammerdonthurtem
insult the album then give it a good rating? 3.5 is very respectable maybe your rating system is fucked
Niggedy nope
Decent album…now will HipHopDX do itself justice and review the absolutely fire album Godfather by Wiley? Or are they too scared to take on grime?
Return of the Cool is full of creativity, talent, and substance. Those who say it’s not let a few joints fly over your head. Check out “Sing Along”. Listeners these days LOVE to downplay conscious rap/hip-hop when it’s telling you about yourself!! Solid release here for sure. If you want a breath of fresh air, or tired AF of the mumble movement, exit here!!
All reviewers seem salty as fuck over this album….like, they know it’s dope, but hate that he’s calling out their favorite mumble rappers. So they give it a decent score, just enough to avoid being called a hater. It’s like J. Cole all over again
FUC-KING HARD! 4.5 ADL (All Day Long)
Ye reviews hella salty
Damn the hate must be getting to me too, 4/5 lol
nah for real it is
Soooo… Nick Grant gets 3.6 but Future gets 4.2????
Idk if I’m in the twilight zone or what…
Nick G is easily 4/5 or 4.5/5… Future’s review is what needs to be reconsidered..
I’m an old school hip hop fan and the only only rappers to get my attention lastly is Nick Grant, Conway and Kendrick. I think this album is sick compared to anything today I’d even say it’s better than DAMN.
The Ratings are 4.7 outta 5 , the legends ( Sway Colloway ) were attracted by this album for your team to rate it 3.6 thats a disrespect .
I am Reezy Feezy From South Africa .
His best project was 88. This & dreaming out loud were not that good. Solid though. Above average at best with some dope bars. Agree with the 3.6, but would give it a 3.4.
Took lupes album name ? With no shoutout ?