Dan Flavin and Nate Donohoe
Music Editors
On Feb. 7 rapper Denzel Curry and producer Kenny Beats released their collaboration album “UNLOCKED”. The project was released along with a short animated film featuring all the songs.
The eight track project may be short, but it makes up for its length in quality. After an introduction track with old vocal samples and drum chops, Denzel takes the spotlight. In track two “Take_It_Back_v2” we are introduced to Denzel’s insane talent and Kenny’s unorthodox production. Kenny Beats was once a EDM producer and is now known as one of the best producers in the rap community. He is known for his ability to flip samples (to turn one sound into a totally different sound). The drums on the track start very simple, but turn more complex as the melody switches. At the beginning of the track the melody is just a repeated beep along with some ambient noise. The second half of the track features another recurring sound on the project, pitched vocals. Making the vocals either deeper or lower than they were recorded can create an otherworldly effect that matches the random sounds and samples perfectly.
Track 4 “Pyro (leak 2019)” is another great track. The reversed melody creates an ambient environment that juxtaposes the drums that are straightforward and hard hitting. Denzel is flawless throughout the track. He has great lyrics, great punchlines, catchy flows, and perfect delivery.
The best track on the project is “DIET_” . Kenny Beats decided to skip the main melody and instead used a toned percussion sample and sound effects. The other drums on the track are simple but great. Denzel takes the listener through a story just witht the tone of his voice. He starts out quiet sounding almost confused but slowly as he gets into it gets louder and louder until in the chorus when he is full on screaming. The energy he brings takes the energy from the beat to the next level. The track is an all-time great Denzel song and definitely the best on the project.
The only downfall of the album was that there isn’t enough of it. Everysong is unique, which is something that isn’t very common in today’s music. The project may be a bit hard for new listeners to get into because of its crazy beats and complex flows, but we 100% recommend this album. Even the tracks we didn’t highlight are great. Overall, the project is a 9/10.
