Danny Brown - Quaranta - Import CD

Credits:

Danny Brown

Description:

"A lot changed since triple X came out," Detroit rapper Danny Brown informs us on the title track of his sixth album, Quaranta. Hes referring to his 2011 breakthrough XXX (or 30 as its sometimes known), a record themed in part around what it meant to be a rapper as he entered his thirties, and one that brought his smart, hilarious, and irrepressibly raw style to many listeners for the first time. Twelve years later, Quaranta takes a decidedly different tone from the jump, primarily utilizing slow and moody instrumentals as support for Brown to go deep into regrets, introspection, and the very different feelings he faced surrounding still (and he takes great pains to emphasize the "still" part) rapping as he enters his forties. This emotional weight is established on the title track, with lines about success leading to complete isolation, and continues on the melancholic, synth-led "Down Wit It," which mourns a relationship broken by the irresponsible lifestyle of a musician. Browns heartbreak is palpable, even when hes rewiring a well-worn lyric from Geto Boys "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" as his songs chorus. MIKE delivers a crushing verse on the cautiously reflective "Celibate," and tracks like "Bass Jam" and "Shakedown" are slow and mournful as Brown sorts through sad nostalgia, depression, and unsettled family issues. It can be a heavy trip, but these moments of confessional pain are the most gripping parts of the album. Quaranta is peppered with more lively moments like the rambunctious gentrification critique "Jenns Terrific Vacation" or the headstrong force of "Dark Sword Angel," yet its the quietly contemplative stretches that feel most authentic and most powerful. Browns musical daring has never been in question (few other rappers have turned in industrial-toned albums named after Joy Division songs), and the risks he takes by slowing things down and bearing his soul here are a natural continuation of road-less-traveled choices hes been making all along. The sometimes agonizing introspection of the record can read as low-energy at first, but Browns albums have a tendency to keep their substance a few meters below the surface, rewarding repeat listening with intricate perspectives that take time to untangle. On Quaranta, the deeper impact all stems from Browns tormented internal world, and he hides none of his searing pain or self-doubt. Its not entirely the same rowdy, lascivious joyriding that made up some of his celebrated early work, but the albums fearless expression of a full emotional spectrum makes it remarkable and at times shatteringly beautiful. ~ Fred Thomas

Tracklisting:

1.Quaranta
2.Tantor
3.Ain't My Concern
4.Dark Sword Angel
5.Y.B.P.
6.Jenn's Terrific Vacation
7.Down Wit It
8.Celibate
9.Shakedown
10.Hanami
11.Bass Jam

Danny Brown Collection List