Manic TL – 111
Released: 1 November 2024
It’s sad that oftentimes, when I review albums, I expect to be disappointed due to hearing the same formulaic production or subject matter. Even in today’s underground rap scene, it seems that many rappers gravitate toward familiar deliveries, cadences, and production. So when Manic TL’s 111 album came across my docket, I expected something similar—thankfully, I was proven wrong.
111 is an album full of introspection, as Manic TL voices his struggles with drugs, self-reflection, and overall uncertainty. He delivers this over great production that never overpowers the song and always provides just enough space for him to get his message across effectively. He doesn’t shy away from using drums—or even boom-bap—at a time when many rappers avoid them out of fear of sounding dated. While Manic TL might feel insecure or uncertain in his personal life, musically, he presents himself with extreme confidence, as reflected in his sound choices.
Any fan of rap should be able to appreciate Manic TL’s lyrical skill and ability—he floats so effortlessly over beats that at times, I forgot he was even rhyming because I was so caught up in his messaging. I only counted one moment where he tripped over a bar—on the outro, Wide Eyed, where it sounds like Manic TL purposefully left in his gaffe (stumbling over a word in the song’s final bars) to put the cherry on top of an album about imperfections. Or maybe I’m overthinking it.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. This is legitimately one of the best new hip-hop albums I’ve heard in months. So many times when I review new albums, I worry it’s going to be a waste of time. That was never the case with 111. I recommend this to any hip-hop fan who enjoys good lyrics over proper beats with a message in mind. Shoutout to Faye Allure.
Song-by-Song Review
0:30 Hard Goodbyes – 4.25/5 Great intro. Beat gives proper “Grand Intro” vibes. And lyrically, this song is proper foresight of what’s to come on the album
07:10 Melrose – 2.75/5 Bold move to put this album as track #2. The hook isn’t really reflective of the rest of the album. I fear people giving this song an earnest listen will quit on this song
13:52 Sitting On Fences – 3.25/5 Nice album cut. Very relaxed
19:05 God Bless – 3.5/5 Another nice album cut. At this point in the album it feels like he’s having a conversation with him. Mac Miller-esque vulnerability
24:00 Good Grief – 4/5 the pawn/E3 bar was NICE
29:30 Chamoy – 2.25/5 not exactly my speed. But its understandable that you want different sounds on an album. Not mad at it
32:56 Left Footed – 2.75/5
36:48 Lost Canvas – 3.5/5 simple harmonizing by faye allure adds a lot to this track.
41:53 Nowhere Fast – 4/5
47:44 The Dance – 3.5/5 more faye allure is needed on this track (the chorus specifically)
51:52 Freedom Smile – 3.75/5 love this beat. DONT RESIST THE BOOMBAP!!!
55:23 Lord of the Flies – 4.25/5 hardest part of bouncing back is admitting you’re back where you started!
1:01:10 Zinfandels – 4.75/5 yes…. just, YES
1:06:15 Wide Eyed – 4.25/5 great outro. great intro. great album sequencing overall
★★★1/2 – ★★★★: Very good; a few bland songs or minor flaws throughout.
★★★★★: 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.