Nipsey Hussle's studio debut was beginning to feel like a myth; he's been promoting Victory Lap for at least six years. Despite numerous delays though, the album's timing feels just right; it's both a full-circle moment and a starting point for the L.A. rapper.
The album's roughest spots are mostly loaded up front. The title track is teeming with melodrama, and while the first handful of songs have a deeply satisfying G-funk feel, Hussle's stale cadence simply isn't entertaining enough to latch on to. It picks up, though.
"Blue Laces 2" is a testament to Hussle's growth. In every way, it's a more mature, polished version of the 2010 prequel that will delight longtime fans. Hussle does some soul-searching on "Loaded Bases" and, with help from Cee-Lo and producers Mike & Keys, pulls it off perfectly; it's solemn and earnest, but not artificially deep. Dark and ambitious, "Hussle & Motivate" is the cynosure of the album. Not many would (nor should) dare to touch Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life," but Hussle rises to the challenge and expertly leaves his signature on the iconic hood anthem.
Although there's some room for improvement, Victory Lap is still a solid effort with the promise of better to come. Hussle approaches his career like a marathon, not a race, and his best days still feel ahead of him.
(Atlantic)The album's roughest spots are mostly loaded up front. The title track is teeming with melodrama, and while the first handful of songs have a deeply satisfying G-funk feel, Hussle's stale cadence simply isn't entertaining enough to latch on to. It picks up, though.
"Blue Laces 2" is a testament to Hussle's growth. In every way, it's a more mature, polished version of the 2010 prequel that will delight longtime fans. Hussle does some soul-searching on "Loaded Bases" and, with help from Cee-Lo and producers Mike & Keys, pulls it off perfectly; it's solemn and earnest, but not artificially deep. Dark and ambitious, "Hussle & Motivate" is the cynosure of the album. Not many would (nor should) dare to touch Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life," but Hussle rises to the challenge and expertly leaves his signature on the iconic hood anthem.
Although there's some room for improvement, Victory Lap is still a solid effort with the promise of better to come. Hussle approaches his career like a marathon, not a race, and his best days still feel ahead of him.