Phonte hasn’t come back to compete with the latest teen rap sensation or pander to a younger demographic. He’s returned to share some grown man rap, and No News Is Good News is the epitome of such Hip Hop.
The Foreign Exchange frontman’s second solo album is one of the finest examples of aging gracefully as a rapper. It’s aided in its focus by mainly speaking to those who’ve been rocking with him since Little Brother’s glory days and bolstered by the fact that Tigallo remains sharp as ever on the mic.
Instead of recruiting his old pal 9th Wonder and host of other big-name producers, Phonte opts to collaborate with a group of unsung beatmakers. He shines whether he’s infusing traditional lyrical flair on the vibrant horn-powered “Pastor Tigallo” or excelling in that same ‘ol two-step heard on the Tall Black Guy-helmed “Sweet You.” And midway through the album, a string of piano keys-laced tracks from Illingsworth, DJ Cozmos and AbJo create the connective tissue of the LP’s strongest sequence.
Beyond its craftsmanship, No News Is Good News is particularly rewarding for those who’ve been listening to Phonte for 10-15 years. As he explains on the album closer “Euphorium,” Tigallo finally feels like he can be himself for the first time in his life. He still oozes with confidence when it comes to his MC skills, but the LP is largely characterized by his vulnerability — especially when exploring mortality.
The Nottz-produced “Expensive Genes” forewarns health concerns in the aging process while detailing how past worries of violent crime equate to doctor’s office dread. Although the passing of Combat Jack and Prodigy are explicitly referenced, “Cry No More” reveals the death of Phonte’s father was the harsh reality check that instilled a lifestyle upgrade.
Hearing him rhyme about attending the funeral then eating “the same shit that killed him” is just as chilling as a grim mafioso rap tale. And the real-life stakes are inescapable when Phonte brings it full circle by touching on his own duties as a father to his sons.
These reflections, such as rekindling his love for rap or settling down to embrace the washed life with his wife, illustrate Phonte’s growth as a man and artist. Thankfully, his maturation doesn’t come at the expense of rapping prowess. His propensity to outdo the competition and terrorize wack rappers remains.
“They say they want bars but it’s unfounded/’Cause when they get bars niggas be dumbfounded,” he declares on “So Help Me God.” Marco Polo’s pounding drums match the intensity of Phonte’s bars, which see him lamenting rap’s rat race to drop “cheap weakened shit every week” to satisfy fans.
No News Is Good News is largely a solo affair, at least vocally, but Phonte does get some help from Freddie Gibbs. Fans looking for something more akin to Phonte’s Foreign Exchange work get exactly that on “Change Of Mind,” which features him singing while Gangsta Gibbs handles the raps. The missed opportunity to hear these two trade rhymes and a handful of tracks that meander to their conclusion constitute the few flaws in this work of art.
From the writing and production to the transitions and content, Phonte’s No News Is Goods News is an expertly crafted album. As he approaches 40, such output proves he’s still in his prime. And while maintaining such high-quality work, he’s become even more dynamic by turning his life into an open book. His Foreign Exchange gig may be the more fruitful enterprise, but Phonte continues to be one of Hip Hop’s elite whenever he steps on rap’s playing field.
At least for now!
Shit was disappointing. Everything on this record is meh.
Your mother was a disappointment. Don’t comment on anything you don’t have the brain capacity to digest.
Go listen to 6ix9nine. This is the album of the year. You sir have no say.
I’ve only seen this 69 dude’s picture, never heard his music. Actually Roc Marciano, Elzhi & Showbiz have dropped far better albums this year so far. No News is Good News is still decent, but nowhere near a great album and doesn’t hold a candle to Charity Starts at Home or his LB work.
Dope
Album of the year contender. Phonte is one of the top 5 MC’s of all time and is still on his game. Thanks Phonte
Tigallo is our hero
It was alright. A few stand out joints, but not his best effort. Those screaming album of the year are just little brother stans lol
Laid back but stands out for a longtime love the blends over different beats!!!!when is the tour coming??!!
Not his best work, but still nice. 10 tracks are NOT enough considering he hasn’t dropped a solo project in a while.
this is Phonte’s best work that i’ve ever heard in my life.
Like with most hip hop albums, sometimes the name carries more than the substance. This is a so so album. I like Phonte, but this is forgettable.
I used to rock with Phonte/Foreign Exchange/LB but there is not a single track on this album that isntweak as fuck. Low point: Why dafuq waste a Gibbs feature on some plastic ass RnB shit, SMH.
Solid!!!
When is his tour with Lonzo Ball gonna start? Shit’s gonna be ill, Dun!!!
muthaf*ckas hating on this album might as well go listen to trap garbage, this album is #realhiphop . I’m not going to front I wish it had maybe like 3 more tracks. and maybe like a little brother reunion on one track at least but its still a solid album.
Fuk the dumb shit , I gotta get this
In my personal top 10 all time. Can’t wait to give this a listen.
havent listened all the way through but the tracks ive heard are top notch. im giving it a 5 bc i know its not a 4.
Solid album with a throwback dilla vibe.
Dont know how anyone is hating on this album. Its a complete work of art in my Opinion. Production is great, Transitions are seamless, and Phonte is back giving us all what we’ve been waiting for from him. I’m a life-long fan of many Veteran MC’s who have dropped albums that are just not up to par lyrically, and end up disappointing me. THIS is not anywhere near that. I got me a new album to bump for the rest of the Month of March…My Birth Month. Thanks Pastor Tigallo!!! If I give this anything less than a 5 its only because its too short.
Damn…I just hit Expensive Genes and the song about his Pops. This album is going to be the Sound Track to my Spring 2018.
Grown Man Hop done right.
Why wasn’t the king wigger Joe Scudda who is the best white boy rapper on there?
Yes this was damn near perfect, maybe it’ll be later on till then it was very good, I might buy it down the road.
Phonte, Thank you! Keep killin it! 5/5
I really like this album. Not as much as “Charity Starts At Home” but it is still dope as fuck!
We need another Little Brother album as well!!!!! C’mon!
This is by far his worst work, there are maybe 2 good songs on this. Beats are flat and boring with no bite. His lyrics are good and heart felt but the replay value is very weak. Skyzoo’s album kills this. You guys are groupies and never speak out when artists that you like put out weak product. I call shit out I still bought it but I never listen to it.
Sir, are u comparing this to any of his other works??
I listen to both albums and Phonte beats it. I’m not sure people are hearing or listening when they dislike this album.
I’m waiting on the Skyzoo album review. Never really listened to him much but listened to his latest album and it’s a modern classic. If it doesn’t get that golden 5/5 then I’d be surprised. It’s better than Kendrick’s album, jays album and a lot of great albums over the years. I’ve haven’t been this surprised by an album in years.
What a disgrace !
Wrong!!! One of the best albums of 2018. Must like these lil SoundCloud rappers smh
Grown man music right here. Thanks Phonte for keeping it real!
dope 5/5
Top 5 MC, great album.
5/5, be easy.
Perfect rap album!