Rapper Curren$y and producer Harry Fraud joined forces to release their collaborative album Vices this past June. With Curren$y’s laid-back southern flow and Harry Fraud’s reputation as a masterful producer, this project had high expectations. At just 22 minutes long, Vices is a brief but luxurious experience that captures the essence of Miami Vice with its mellowed sonics and refined beats. While the brevity works in its favor, Vices falls short in lyrical substance.
One of the best aspects of Vices is undoubtedly Harry Fraud’s immaculate production. He crafts an exquisite soundscape that aligns perfectly with the album’s Miami Vice theme. Fraud’s splendid sample selections create a laid-back South Floridian atmosphere, invoking visions of palm trees swaying in the breeze and expensive yachts cruising along the coast. The carefree beats provide ample room for Curren$y to showcase his lyrical prowess.
The Rapper/Producer Duo Deliver A Love Letter To Miami
Curren$y, 42, of New Orleans, is no stranger to the hip-hop scene. He’s built an acclaimed reputation through several well-regarded mixtapes, and his unique vocal delivery has garnered a dedicated fan base. However, Vices doesn’t fully capitalize on his potential. Few stand-out bars showcase his ability to pen engaging and witty lines. Lines like:
“peace signs on a hood ornament, drug war is hot,
Roll a paper full of pot, Pocket full of fun coupons, that’s what I got,
Jordan Belfort made it rain from the yacht”
demonstrate the skill Curren$y is capable of. Still, these types of lines are scarce on this album.
Despite the occasional glimpses of brilliance, Curren$y’s overall rapping feels somewhat lackluster on this album. He fails to delve deep into meaningful content and instead sticks to more superficial subjects like money, drugs, and guns. This tendency diminishes the project’s overall impact, leaving listeners yearning for more substance from him.
Listen To ‘Vices’ Here:
Nevertheless, Vices does have its highlights. The track “Marble Columns,” featuring Larry June, is a standout. The smooth saxophone-led instrumental by Harry Fraud is divine in its simplicity and complements the percussive drums with a jazzy melody. Both Curren$y and Larry June shine on this song, delivering snappy lyrics and showcasing their smooth flow patterns. “Marble Columns” is undoubtedly a perfect fusion of elements that any hip-hop fan would enjoy.
Vices is a good album, but one that falls short of greatness. Harry Fraud’s production elevates the project. However, Curren$y’s rapping doesn’t consistently match the caliber of these instrumentals. While he exhibits snippets of brilliance, his lack of lyrical depth keeps the album from being truly exceptional. For hip-hop enthusiasts, especially fans of West Coast hip-hop, Vices is still worth exploring. Harry Fraud’s craftsmanship alone makes it an enjoyable listen. However, if you’re seeking an album that introduces you to the depth and complexity of the hip-hop genre, there are numerous better projects to dive into.
