Noyz Narcos
Monster

THE REVIEW

2012-2013... These are the two years when rap in Italy became widespread, moving from the underground to the mainstream. After decades of masterpieces that went completely unnoticed by the general public, rap started circulating on radio and TV more and more frequently even in our country. The number of MCs increased, as did the number of Mixtapes released and the number of contracts with major record labels. While all this represents the redemption of a genre too often discarded or labeled as "temporarily fashionable trash," it has also led to a significant drop in the quality level of productions, subjected to the perverse market mechanics that lead the majors to demand CDs full of hit singles to sell to teenage girls and supposed B-boys (did someone say Fedez?).

Yet there are those who still resist, who despite having a huge fan base and blowing up clubs at every appearance, haven’t, so to speak, "sold out." Among the few who still resist is Noyz Narcos, currently the undisputed king of the Roman scene, the most talented member of the Truce Klan, who continues, with his third CD, "Monster," to deliver products characterized by dark, heavy, B movie horror atmospheres, and to give voice to a discomfort that, despite the fame, is far from disappearing.

The recipe remains the same: excellent metrics and great combinations combined with an impressive flow, dark and powerful beats ready to blow the speakers, angry and violent lyrics. This is how Monster (2013) comes to life, Noyz's third album, which stands as a direct sequel to Verano Zombie (a 2007 masterpiece), after the weaker Guilty (still a good album, released in 2010). The album opens strongly with "Alfa Alfa," an explosive beat by Shablo that perfectly suits Noyz's flow, dark lyrics, and style in spades. The next two tracks, "Game Over" and "Attica," singles from the album, are even better. "Attica" in particular stands out for the reunion of Noyz Narcos - Dj Sine, absolutely a top-notch piece. Another bomb is the title track "Monster," and always noteworthy are "Via con me," "Hasta la Muerte," "Roma Calling," "Zona d'ombra," "Molotov," and the final track "Ogni Volta." Among the weaker tracks of the album (yet still quite listenable) are "Count Down" and "Strategia del Terrore."

In conclusion, the album is an excellent effort by Noyz, all the producers (Shablo, Don Joe, Dj Sine Fritz da Cat...). Among the features, Metal Carter's performance in "Zona d'Ombra" deserves highlighting. Narcos passes with flying colors, the album just falls short of his masterpiece "Verano Zombie" and shows that success (best-selling album on Amazon, second place on the iTunes chart, and 7th on the FIMI chart) and quality can be reconciled with a bit of effort. The album is highly recommended for rap enthusiasts and is mandatory for all lovers of Death Hip Hop/Horror Core Rap.