Alchemist Boldy James Bo Jackson review:
Alchemist & Boldy James – “Bo Jackson”
Released: 13 August 2021
A very good project, but definitely gets tiring as a front-to-back listen, because Boldy James relies heavily on his familiar signature style & flow to skate over these Alchemist beats, which results in listener’s fatigue (a shorter track-list would have helped relieve this)
1. Double Hockey Sticks – 00:47
2. Turpentine– 5:30
3. Brickmile to Montana ft Benny the Butcher – 9:28
4. E.P.M.D – 12:27
5. Steel Wool – 18:33
6. Photographic Memories ft Earl Sweatshirt & Roc Marciano – 21:48
7. Speed Trap – 27:15
8. Diamond Dallas ft Stove God Cook$ – 30:40
9. Flight Risk – 33:26
10. Illegal Search & Seizure – 35:47
11. Fake Flowers ft Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs – 38:00
12. 3rd Person – 42:07
13. First 48 Freestyle – 45:17
14. Drug Zone – 48:27
FINAL THOUGHTS – 58:52
A lot of dope songs on this project – and arguably the best produced album of 2021 so far – but lyrically and vocally leaves a lot to be desired due to Boldy James‘ redundant flow, delivery and subject matter. However, Alchemist‘s beats, feature choices, and track sequencing are enough to salvage this to still be a very good project. And although Boldy James appears to be a bit of a 1-dimensional rapper, he still has enough bars to craft an enjoyable listen.
★★★1/2: Very good; a few bland songs or minor flaws throughout.
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Rating Categories:
★★★★★: Best in show; pinnacle release from an all-time great artist.
★★★★1/2: Stellar example of genre; peak potential.
★★★★: Excellent; recommended to all fans of artist or genre.
★★★1/2: Very good; a few bland songs or minor flaws throughout.
★★★: Good; fans of the artist will find value here.
★★1/2: Average; does little to establish the artist or maintain quality.
★★: Unexceptional; a few highlights but otherwise bland.
★1/2: Weak; unrecommended for anyone but major fans of the style and/or artist.
★: Seriously flawed; very poor work but relatively listenable.
1/2: Terrible; a true embarrassment and akin to audio masochism.