ZUU (studio album) by Denzel Curry

A hip-hop album I like. No that many in 2019.

From mdbaxter 01/31/2020 19:53

Solid but not much content. Production is really good on the actual songs and combines a new crisp sound with old early trap influences. Denzel's lyrics are good and he makes his presence felt on every song.

The follow up to last year's critical breakthrough Ta300 takes a diversion from the expected dark, conceptual atmosphere for a 90s Compton gangstar rap throwback with all the trappings of today's more hook-minded pop hip-hop. A very consistent release splattered with shades of Death Grips and JPEGmafia-esque experimentation, solid features and moments of 100 percent intensity (like the closing track).

Unlike Zel's previous work, ZUU is not as conceptually definite. That said, it's still a perfect no-filler summertime regular for your headphones. Even the cover art of this thing just screams no-frills, old school jam. In a similar vein to recent releases like Vince Staples' FM or YG's Still Brazy, ZUU is not as interested in presenting a narrative as it is giving listener's a hugely enjoyable, back-to-front, balls to the wall listening experience.
IMO the best hip-hop record of the year so far.

Good album.

Favorite tracks: ZUU, RICKY, WISH, SPEEDBOAT

B+

Not as good as TA13OO, but I still enjoyed it.

There is a closed circle of albums that enchant by their vigor, their energy, and the violence of their approach. With "ZUU", Denzel Curry joins this circle: he is a child of the Raider Klan, one of the most talented rapper of the Soundcloud generation, and he has always evolved in the margins of codes, driven by an overflowing creativity. "TA1300", released in 2018 demonstrated his desire to give birth to a classic, Zel is close to this ambition, a year later, with "ZUU". Never has Curry appeared so alive as on this album, inhabited by a primary energy that refers to "Nostalgia 64". Always more free, always in the celebration of the Florida lifestyle. "ZUU" is a dense half-hour of permanent urban violence that captivates the listener on personal matters. He also discusses the issue of the free movement of weappons in Florida. He represents a black youth who lives in fear of the lost bullet or the police smudge. Maybe the album is too short but it is dense in energy and punchlines.

8/10

Best track: "RICKY"

From LedZep 06/09/2019 13:27

Not as good as TA13OO imo, but it's straight fire. Shorter (only 29 minutes), more to the point and much more upbeat and hard-hitting. However I find TA13OO to be a more engaging listen, although both albums are excellent. Cannot wait to hear more from Denzel!

From HoldenM 06/05/2019 05:08

This is pretty much everything I wanted to TA1300 to be. It's hard-hitting, but there's a ton of variation, and it's perfectly concise. It's near-perfect.

fire all over the album