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- Verified Buyer
Let me begin by saying that this is, in my personal opinion, the album that we've been waiting for. I've been an avid listener of the Pittsburgh-based artist for over the past half-decade, since the release of his earlier projects (Show and Prove, Grow Season, the POTC duo, Flight School, Star Power, and so forth). Lately, individuals have been craving the "old Wiz" and asking for the "old Wiz" back. Well, this album offers a great deal of "old Wiz" (the Wiz that never changed, nor left, to begin with), and I'll show and prove it to you, by means of breaking down Blacc Hollywood, track-by-track."Hope" - Following a short, inspirational speech from fellow Taylor Gang member Chevy Woods, unveiling the true meaning behind Blacc Hollywood, a trap-like beat drops, and so begins the opening track of the album, and there's no room to deny that it's highly reminiscent of Wiz's Cabin Fever mixtape."We Dem Boyz" - The first official single from the album. Many were apprehensive toward his approach on this one, and although it's new, Wiz is no stranger to autotune. Check out the Flight School mixtape. "We Dem Boyz" is Blacc Hollywood's equivalent to the Rolling Papers single "Black and Yellow", and it just fits the project, as a whole."Promises" - Yes, Wiz sings. He's been singing his own hooks for years, and on this song, he took that to the next level. It's different, but it's worth appreciation."KK" - This one is fun, all-around. Besides, who doesn't enjoy a cameo by Juicy J and Project Pat? Three-six!"House in the Hills" - This track is exemplary. The verses and the beat join together, making for a sound that resembles the classic How Fly collaborative project, alongside Curren$y, and the chorus freshens it up even further. This one would have worked nicely with Rolling Papers, as well."Ass Drop" - One of the funnier songs on Blacc Hollywood, paying homage to the modern "twerk." It's great, but not entirely fitting. I'd expect to have heard this on the Burn After Rolling mixtape."Raw" - Much like "Hope," this track sounds like something off of Cabin Fever, and it's a banger, without a doubt."Stayin' Out All Night" - This one is excellent, and would have also worked well with Wiz's 2011 release, Rolling Papers. The chorus of this song steals the show, and the orchestral percussion makes it an inspirational, lively track. This would make a great closer at any Wiz show."The Sleaze" - This song screams Deal or No Deal. Listen to "Young Boy Talk," then listen to "The Sleaze." It also reminds me of POTC 2."So High" - Wiz did his homework on this one, finding the original Ghost Loft project, by the same name, and making it his own masterpiece. Much like "Stayin' Out All Night," the chorus seals the deal on this track."Still Down" - Between the instrumental, Ty Dolla $ign's hook, and Kev Tha Hustla's feature (that's Chevy Woods, for those that don't know), this one sounds like a clash between POTC and Deal or No Deal."No Gain" - Truthfully, one of my favorite. The beat drops, and all I hear is POTC 2. Listen to "Time Goes By." Seriously, do it now. Then, listen to "No Gain.""True Colors" - The finisher (on the non-deluxe version, that is), and rightfully so. This one, in a way, is inspirational. It's very O.N.I.F.C., which I don't mind. It's "Medicated" and "The Plan" clashed together, with a great, fitting cameo from YMCMB's own Nicki Minaj."We Dem Boyz (Remix)" - It's so different from the original, but it's so Taylor Allderdice (especially considering the leading verse, from The Boss himself). Schoolboy Q dropped a quality verse. Personally, I don't listen to him often, but he brings a fitting flow for this remix. Then, Nas...NAS. Seriously, though. Legendary verse, as expected. Wiz closes out the song with his own verse, and it reminds me of "Rowland" from Taylor Allderdice. This would have easily fit in with Kush & OJ, as well. This version, in all honesty, trumps the original."You and Your Friends" - Dee-Oh-Double-Gee, finally. It's nice to hear a Snoop verse on this album. The beat, along with Ty Dolla $ign's captivating hook, makes for another Deal or No Deal-sounding track.In conclusion, get this album! I'm done typing.Taylor Gang or die. Enjoy.
