Third from The Throne?…
The Grammy Nominated, platinum producing, Jay and Ye protégé, G.O.O.D. Music member smashes down the blockades and hurls himself into the lyrical side of the hip-hop world and it’s nothing short of HITstoric. After generating buzz as a rapper with the songs “Jay-Z Interview” and the Kid Cudi featuring “Old School Caddy,” Hit-Boy drops his first album and doesn’t charge the public a penny.
“HITstory” has been labeled a ‘free album’ rather than a mixtape; this marketing strategy is fully backed by the product Hit-Boy has delivered. Mixtapes tend to be cheap production paraded by features from all equal level artists; “HITstory” does none of the above.
While this project possesses strengths in production and fitting features, the most notable aspect of this undertaking is the top-to-bottom conceptualization. With the obvious play on words in the title, one would expect to hear a chronicle of events. Hit-Boy tells his story from beginning to end and even finds time to weave in some “East Vs. West” philosophy (undoubtedly, his strongest lyrical showing on the album).
His compositions range from smooth, soulful jazz to hype-up Niggas-In-Paris-esque tracks. Along with impressive usage of piano plucking, string sections and sounds unique to Hit-Boy’s shining structures, we encounter drum usage of immaculate impact. Maybe it was the influence of Dr. Dre growing up in California or maybe Kanye gave Hit-Boy a hands-on tutorial, regardless, Hit-Boy has solidified himself a deserving spot in the hip-hop hierarchy.
Rating: B+
Patrick Guilfoyle
