DiCaprio 2 – JID
Harry
DiCaprio 2 finds JID exploring a more contemporary sound. Where on his debut there were nods to old school Nas, JID’s sophomore effort is littered with more trap-inspired beats. Did it pay off? After a solid Ferg feature providing some vocal variation on track 3, it’s J Cole’s turn to take the mic. The dreamville duo share looks at each other that say “ooo look at us say words fast”. ‘Off Da Zoinky’s’ and ‘Workin Out’ provide two highlights midway through the album with some beautiful piano/vocal samples and more subtle beats overlaying. It was at this point when I began wondering why I wasn’t falling for the album. The title DiCaprio 2 led me to believe I was about to embark on some sort of cinematic experience. Alas, I did not. Moreover, I feel the vocals didn’t warrant an album to be 50 mins in length, for they began feeling relentless at times even with the features. Sadly I think I’ll revisit the first album.
71/100
Zach
In a world where trap music is the most popular genre, it is becoming increasingly difficult for new rappers to become famous and/or successful, especially for those looking to go beyond the 1-hit-wonders ala ‘Mans Not Hot’ or ‘Gods Plan’ It is important that young rappers bring something to the table, and after an intriguing first album, I was keen to see what JID could offer. Sadly, I was left underwhelmed, as I often am with trap albums. There is no doubt JID has bars and he can spit, however the whole album blended into into one big blob verse for me. The hooks were not strong enough and very unmemorable and while some of the beats were really good, at the end of the day, they are still trap beats. I think JID has put himself bang in the middle of a popular but very crowded genre, and while it is a good album with good flows and good beats, I don’t think there is anything special about it and it is pretty unmemorable.
Spazzy McGee 