Only few artists in rap have as distinctive and instantly recognisable a style as Memphis-bred rapper Key Glock of Paper Route Empire. He first emerged with his debut Glock Season in 2017, quickly rising through the ranks through various mixtapes and collaborations since. Glock is known for his uncompromising, cold style that updates Three 6 Mafia’s woozy Memphis sound; his solo projects like 2020’s Yellow Tape as well as collaborations such as Son of a Gun and Dum and Dummer with mentor Young Dolph.
Glockoma 2, the latest release by Glock and Paper Route Empire, is characteristic of his gritty musical style. Released without fanfare on Saturday without much fanfare or promotion, Glockoma 2 showcases their minimalist musical aesthetic: straight music without extraneous embellishment or build-up. Glock himself is featured as vocalist along with BandPlay, Hitkidd, and Sledgren producers as collaborators on the project.
Glock’s production can often be dark and menacing. His track, “Gang Shit No Lame Shit,” opens with clanging door sounds and distant shouting, before Glock raps about his own gang problems, warning listeners not to follow in his footsteps with clever wordplay that incorporates Drake and Migos references into his bold rhymes.
He addresses his personal struggles head-on and manages to remain composed as he raps about depression and anxiety without losing his cool – in much the same way he can talk about money or cars! One key feature of the album is how it proves Dolph can still be effective without him in the mix.
Even after Dolph’s tragic passing, Glockoma 2 remains an enjoyable trap album with many stand-out tracks that should please many hip-hop fans. While some tracks don’t quite hit their target mark, overall this effort succeeds admirably.
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Follow The RX on Instagram and Twitter! This article originally published November 30th 2022 on 92.5 The Beat was updated with more details and links for your reading pleasure.
The RX is a weekly feature on both 92.5 The Beat’s website and podcast that takes an in-depth look at hip-hop albums, tracks and stories that matter most. Edited and produced by 92.5 The Beat staff members.
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