Along with KXNG Crooked’s veteran status comes the vast network of fellow artists and producers the Slaugterhouse tenant linked up with over the course of the last two decades. Most of which he presumably tapped into for his new concept album, Good Vs. Evil.
With features from Eminem, Tech N9ne, Just Blaze, Xzibit, and RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Crooked pulls out all the stops as he rips apart the socio-political landscape with his lyrical assault weapons. Rapping from a superhero persona he cultivated for himself, he wages a war of words on racial and economic injustices, police brutality and the lack of accountability, a crumbling education system, government agencies, systemic racism, and the general apathy for civil rights.
From the album intro “A Just Message” with Just Blaze to the brutal RZA-assisted album closer “Puppet Master,” he stays consistent with his intent — to shine a spotlight on everything he deems unjust in the world, a huge undertaking, but necessary in a time of such blatant divisiveness. On the album’s first single, “Welcome To Planet X,” Eminem offers a brief but voracious verse that highlights the alternate reality Crooked describes, which is the crux of the album. “You either rich or you poor now/digital identity chip implanted in everybody born now/being poor is like fighting a war now/no energy to fight the real enemy ‘cuz you worn out,” he spits with conviction as his imagination runs wild with the “new world order” he’s created.
While the overall tone of Good Vs. Evil remains dark with the urgency of Crooked’s voice peppered throughout, there are a couple of moments where the mood shifts to a more upbeat vibe. Most notably on “Dem People” with Xzibit and SAS, and “Revolutionary Funk S” with P Funk Pavarotti, the latter delivering easily one of the project’s funkiest and freshest beats. It leads up to the Tech N9ne collab, “Shoot Back (Dear Officer),” which takes aim at police brutality by penning an audible letter to those who have been responsible for taking the lives of unarmed Black men.
There’s no doubt Good Vs. Evil is a well-executed and carefully crafted album. It only trips up a couple of times. “CrazyPsychoLoco” stands out like a sore thumb with its basic, commercialized beat and awkward melody while the hook on “I Want To Kill You” doesn’t seem to fit with the aesthetic of the rest of the 14-track project. However, KXNG Crooked is able to capture the critical nature of the need for action. The raw emotion can be felt in every syllable he utters and he easily brings the concept of Good Vs. Evil to the forefront, accomplishing what he clearly set out to do in the first place — igniting a fire within.
this might be my favorite album of his to date (followed by SMHH, YB2 and STATIK KXNG). it being a concept album really helps since there’s a cohesiveness and theme throughout the whole album. it doesn’t revolve around his usual “im a better rapper than you and this is why” type songs, so it’s definitely a breath of fresh air. nearly every song on this has a deep message, packaged in his usual ridiculous metaphors, rhyme schemes, flows.. etc. this will remind his older fans and maybe show newer fans why he’s one of the best technical rappers ever.
DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!!
I’ve been missing old school Dead Prez lately, and crook comes along and drops the closest thing possible. Change is coming. And this will be the soundtrack.
Words can’t describe how dope this album is
Like the concept of the album but just couldn’t get into the production. Just way too much going on that it makes most of the tracks difficult to listen to or even capture the lyrics. On the other hand…. the 6 bonus tracks are all fire with toned down production. I didn’t think it was possible but I’d give the album a 2/5 and the bonus tracks a 5/5. I’ll give it a 3 total due to that.
Sound like you need a better speaker
His best work out, finally nice production and he sounds hungrier than ever. His work with Statik was POS, but this is straight fire! More of this, please.
Dope album
Verse on planet x one of the best of the year
This album is fucking amazing
amazing from start to finish
your favorite rappers, favorite rapper. get em crook!
Album Of The Year
The world’s greatest man visits here.
I enjoyed the album. Thanks Crooked man
I always love a good concept album and this is no disappointment.
He’s not half as clever as he thinks he is. Production is weak.
INCORRECT in every way i think you must be a fan of lil poo, lil shit, lil gun or lil boat with an out board motor…..
most slept on album of 2016
GOAT of this rap shit
sad how many people are not listening to this
Seriously tho how fkn dope is Revolutionary Funk. That is straight FIRE. Unlike some others I enjoyed the Statik KXNG but this one takes it up another level as a whole package. I’d give it 4.5 if I could but I can’t give it a 5 so I gotta go 4.
lyrical monster
Once again he does it…Crooked gets it in every time always gives you the respect you deserve, nice on the mic no shadow, no doubt.