 By: Teron AndersonMass Communications, University of Florida |
Spitta Andretti and The Alchemist have linked up and decided to break the bank with the follow up to their Covert Coup project, titled The Carrollton Heist.
The Carrollton Heist features the classic, edgy, hard-nosed, ambient production of Alchemist with the smooth flows of Spitta Andretti. It also includes familiar names like Styles P, Action Bronson, and Lil Wayne as features.
With a cinematic theme reminiscent of classic crime dramas, no form of law enforcement can stop the Hot Spitta from distributing his lyrical crack to the masses. The Alchemist serves as a great accomplice to Spitta’s criminal minded schemes as the production on this mixtape is quite exceptional.
The Carrollton Heist features 12 tracks, but only clocks in at just over 30 minutes. It features several well-placed skits following the cinematic theme of the criminal underworld. Apparently Curren$y has a bit of a Machiavellian approach to his rise to the top as he raps on the track “Black Rally Stripes”:
Coke now bubbling crack is now coming/Up to the top forming what they looking for/Niggas like zombies waiting on me to release another batch/That itch you gotta scratch/I know what you like and bitch I got a case of that”
This quality track is followed up the by the standout production courtesy of The Alchemist on the record “Cartridge,” which features a very cinematic melody with hard hitting drum breaks, beautiful vocal samples and piano keys.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/246988200″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
“Vibrations “ features Curren$y paying homage to his New Orleans brethren Juvenile’s classic track “Ha” over instrumentation perfect for a nice cigar in a jazz lounge. Often sampling of lyrics is used as a crutch, but in this case, it was done very efficiently and in good taste.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/246988193″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
The Styles P featuring track “Disappearing Ink” epitomizes the essence of Alchemist’s sound in its ominous soundscape, including unsettling vocal samples, ambient sounds and a foreboding melody. Over this haunting backdrop Curren$y spits:
Shit so dark you need night vision just to listen/Disappearing ink it was written hieroglyphics/Niggas looking like clowns all say they trying to be different/Reflection so deceptive/It’s too much smoke and mirrors
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/246988184″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
As we can see Curren$y does not hesitate one bit to voice his opinion on the lack of originality in the industry.
Another standout cut that certainly received much hype upon the release of the tracklist is “Fat Albert” featuring Lil Wayne. This duo has quite a bit of history in their past and this is evident as their chemistry on this song is top notch.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/246988168″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Curren$y and The Alchemist’s The Carrollton Heist is their first project together as a collective since 2011’s Covert Coupe and easily matches or maybe even surpasses the quality of its predecessor.
Curren$y remains one of the hardest working emcees in the industry and continues his rise to the top – on his terms. After this latest batch, there’s sure to be plenty more Jet Life junkies lurking in the midst waiting for their next fix.
Standout Tracks: “ Cartridge,” “Vibrations,” Disappearing Ink,” “Fat Albert”
Overall Rating: 8/10
