Black Milk
Album of the Year

Let's start with some basic-necessary information to understand something about this record: Curtis Cross is a 1983-born rapper, raised in Detroit. In his debut album, he immediately stood out more for the productions than for the vocal parts. Besides being a promising beatmaker, he is also a drummer and keyboardist. In his early works, he collaborated with famous rappers (and collectives) from his city: Elzhi, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, Slum Village...

If the word "Detroit" immediately turned on a light bulb for you, you've hit the mark. The long shadow of J Dilla is indeed felt.

Despite this, the disciple developed a personal sound - as it should be - and has grown further. "Album of the Year", 2010, Fat Beats Record (synonymous with "I don't want to sell my virginity to the highest bidder") is a remarkable amalgam of eclecticism with rough sounds - as per tradition - where the drums are always at the forefront and played on almost all tracks (only in "Welcome (Gotta Go)" are they sampled). The possibility of being accompanied by a real band allows him to explore the musical genres that have become classics: starting from the ever-present Funk, passing through distorted Rock, and staying on Afrobeat coordinates. Some tracks feature sirens, typically Jazz trumpets, and even typically stadium trumpets (the musical term is "typically stadium trumpet"). Just to cover all bases, the scratches are entrusted to the entertaining Dj Dez.

The rapping appears convincing. At times it bores, but improvements are noticeable on this front as well. The lyrics, although not standing out for enthusiasm, are listenable and maintain the excellent level of the album. No flaws among the features either: all Detroit people suitable for the purpose. But that's how it should be; outside Michigan's borders, the "big" names in the scene he teamed up with in his previous albums resulted from earlier or later collaborations (see Sean Price and Pharoahe Monch).

I might be biased, but I have great expectations for this young man's career. Both on the strictly producer side and as a well-rounded artist. The fact is, his name is already part of the Rap excellence.

Promise kept.