Album of the Year
Black Milk’s latest album is as bold as its title. While the producer’s previous efforts built on the smoky, subdued sound of Detroit figureheads Slum Village, *Album of the Year* busts that template wide open with live instrumentation and incendiary drumming. “Over Again” and “Black and Brown” blend Milk’s studio wizardry with instrumental contributions from the Will Sessions Band, a young nine-man ensemble from Detroit. The sharp, relentless flows of Royce Da 5’9’ and Elzhi are perfectly suited to Milk’s beats, as is Danny Brown, a young Detroit MC who crushes “Black and Brown” like an unhinged version of Andre 3000. From a lyrical standpoint, *Album of the Year* contains Milk’s most intense work to date. The album’s centerpiece is “Distortion,” a viscous funk ritual that allows Milk to vent about the death of his close friend Baatin. As both a producer and lyricist Milk is reaching higher ground, but the secret weapon of *Album of the Year* is undoubtedly drummer Daru Jones. His brickbat beats are the emotional core in “Distortion,” “Keep Going,” “Oh Girl” and “Round of Applause.”
Official Videos: "Black and Brown" feat. Danny Brown youtu.be/WfNe-g45T5U "Deadly Medley" feat. Royce Da 5'9" and Elzhi youtu.be/SOMldtCNyZ0 "Welcome" youtu.be/7RJPTzq2cuc
Detroit underground hip-hop star comes to grips with his particularly difficult 2009 on this deeply determined LP.
Detroit producer and MC Black Milk always seemed much more honored than annoyed when his work was compared to that of the late J. Dilla, so don’t think the sonic surprises on this 2010 effort are driven by a desire to end the association.
Album of the Year is like a sudden assault. It’s taken Black Milk some time to get attention, and this record is a product of his joy at starting to get it. More than ever before, Milk sounds cocky – sure of himself on his beats at last. Since Popular Demand he’s been thought of
Black Milk - Album Of The Year review: eatin' on perogies / goose mixed with sobe / smokin' on an oz / pimpin' like an og