Nipsey Hussle – Victory Lap Reaction

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Few acts in hip-hop have a more boots on the ground, grind it out type of mentality than Nipsey Hussle. And although Victory Lap is his first major foray, he got to this point through sheer independent hustle (pun intended) that’s built him a serious fan following and a ton of respect from peers and purists alike – and all without having a real major chart-topping record to his name. For those concerned that that might all go away now that he’s signed to Atlantic Records, I’m here to say that those fears are unfounded as Victory Lap is still chock-full of that independent spirit and it’s Nipsey Hussle as we’ve always been accustomed to. So good news for longtime fans, bad news for those wanting to hear real progress or something new. Lyrically he hasn’t really grown much, BUT it’s not all about lyricism and rap ability with him but more about the things he says and the way he says them. His raps are full of motivation and ‘game’ (a la early Jeezy) and he’s very much the voice of the people; he represents that west coast lifestyle to the fullest. It’s all about on par with his past albums, just good to great west coast hip-hop that doesn’t look to shake things up too much – he knows his lane very well and sticks to it. If you’re a fan of Nipsey then you’ll love this one too, but if you never a fan before, I don’t see much here to change your mind.

1

Paranoia 2 Reaction

Lyricism and his respect for the culture and tradition of hip-hop is still front and center but with a modern NY sound and feel that doesn't feel too contrived like it did at times on Paranoia. This is the Dave East I've been waiting for - full of lyrical venom, vivid storytelling, and street wise gravitas, yet still in touch with the times.

4.5

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2

Pressure Reaction

Pressure is Jeezy's best project in recent memory but it still didn't quite deliver on all the immense promise of its tracklisting and noteworthy features. A mix of standout and generic, skewing more in the direction of the latter. And he's just not as interesting of an orator as he once was.

3.5

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3

4eva Is a Mighty Long Time Reaction

4eva Is a Mighty Long Time is Big K.R.I.T.'s most ambitious project yet, and while it doesn't answer all of the criticisms people have of him, it is him at his absolute best and it's his most listenable, yet still deep, album yet. If this doesn't prove that he belongs in the conversation with the Kendricks and J. Coles of the world, then nothing will.

4.5

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“For every nigga in the streets tryna feed the babies
The single mama’s workin’ hard not to miss a payment
And dirty money get washed on royalty statements
Black owners in this game of powerful racists
Young niggas in the set that’s doin’ it makeshift
Out the garage is how you end up in charge”

Have you heard Victory Lap? What’d you think about it? Where would you rank this among his other projects? Do you want to hear more progress/evolution from him or are you cool with him staying in his lane? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions to the album.

Nipsey Hussle – Victory Lap Reaction

Conclusion

Nipsey Hussle's raps are full of motivation and 'game' (a la early Jeezy) and he's very much the voice of the people; he represents that west coast lifestyle to the fullest. Victory Lap is about on par with his past albums, just good to great west coast hip-hop that doesn't look to shake things up too much - he knows his lane very well and sticks to it. If you're a fan of Nipsey then you'll love this one too, but if you never a fan before, I don't see much here to change your mind.

Fuego!!!

Blue Laces 2

Last Time That I Checc'd

Dedication

Double Up

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