Denzel Curry – ZUU.
Denzel Curry is a rapper from Miami, Florida. After his beautifully conceptual and encapsulating 2018 masterpiece ‘TA13OO’, an album that has become a personal favourite of mine for its experimental soundscapes and intriguing narrative concept, (splitting the album into three acts: light, grey and dark) I have clung to Instagram for updates on a new release from Denzel almost obsessively. Those desires were sated in May when Curry released ‘ZUU’.
Stylistic change.
This album takes a stylistic left turn from ‘TA13OO’, focusing heavily on a sound homaging to the classic 80s Miami rap scene, evidently what a young Denzel was brought up on. The stylistic change and its success further give evidence for Denzel’s validity in the modern rap game, and show him as one of if not the most refreshing young rapper at large.
A lot of Denzel’s lyrics focus on his upbringing in Miami, specifically on tracks like ‘RICKY’ where Curry details the morals and values beset on him by his caring yet god-fearing parents. This setting is obviously something Denzel knows like the back of his hand, and the balance between homaging his favourite 80s Miami rappers and bringing his own signature flow and attack to a well established sound is done to near perfection. Not only is it back to basics, it builds on that foundation with Denzel’s own originality, creating something as familiar as it is unique.
Favourite track.
I had great difficulty deciding on my favourite track from this album. I love the track ‘WISH’, a chilled cut ripped straight out of the 80s, with its shimmering reverbed synths and bouncy bass line. I also considered P.A.T, potentially the most contemporary sounding track on the album, with its explosive trap beat and cut-throat feature from PlayThatBoiZay. But in the end I decided my favourite track from ‘ZUU’ would have to be ‘RICKY’. With Denzel’s grounded and relatable lyricism, the upbeat yet punchy instrumental and Denzel’s consistently remarkable delivery, this track stands above an already phenomenal group of tracks. It seems to be an impossibility to listen to this track and not at least slightly bob your head: the aggressive delivery coupled with the vigorous instrumental packs almost as much of a punch as the boxing-themed music video. This is one of a myriad of high points of the album; the level of energy consistent through out. ‘RICKY’ was one of the tracks I listened to the most this year, and for good reason: It seems to always creating a high energy and powerful mood.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, this album gives a wonderfully contemporary take on a classic sound, adding to the list of things Mr. Curry has attempted and more than succeeded at. It is more than another reason to keep an eye on Denzel Curry in the coming decade, as I believe his potential as an artist hasn’t even been fully realised yet. listen to it on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6PkSBdx19zarn4ae1D08gA?si=wm9CkLhDQ_u5mmNuodSezA
And that is my choice for (subjectively) my 5th favourite release of the year. Stay tuned for Wednesday, where I will return with my no. 4 pick. Thanks for reading!
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