Ever wonder, “Did I miss something?” Sometimes, and this time around it’s that feeling with King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 (Loma Vista Recordings). Vol. 1 dropped back around 2012, which I have somewhere in my stacks. Now on Denzel Curry’s follow-up, he continues as the most recognizable underdog. This one comes in as a late entry, literally just discovering this one dropped today and this album comes across more like a mixtape but mind you, it’s probably one of the best ones I’ve heard in quite some time. Curry’s release features a wide array of guest appearances, most notably Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, 2 Chainz, A$AP Ferg, and many more. But it’s Curry’s way, his ability to seamlessly juxtapose his street verbiage over catchy rhythms & hooks. That’s “Ultra Shxt” which features Key Nyata. But he can hit hard whenEVER it’s called for or he wants. With the cinematic “Set It” featuring Maxo Kream, everyone needs to move directly out of its way. Curry’s “Wishlist” features Armani White and takes its lead from 70s soul, utilizing that backdrop for something grandiose, moving it forward into the present. Curry is that artist who has continuously created massively brilliant tracks and with King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2, things are no different.

KINGDOM KOME & RUEN – MALBEC 2

With a career spanning well over a decade, South Florida emcee Kingdom Kome returns, once again collaborating with DJ/Producer Ruen for Malbec 2. In case you’re wondering Malbec is a purple grape variety used in making wine, red wine. Many of us have tasted the robust flavor at one time or another and its no surprise to find the duo reinventing its flavor for another variety for tastebuds. A fine wine is sometimes difficult to locate.

Ruen’s beats hit hard, timbred in darkness, edging on the cusp of melancholy while, for the most part, Kingdom offers heated lyricism that’s suited around the confines of these urban backdrops. On “Zip Em Up” Kingdom trades barbs with the renown Planet Asia as they both slip around metaphors alluding to death but it’s the death of the artistry of others. A piano tilts and turns around Boom Bap beats that are hypnotic. It’s a funeral procession which no one attends to pay respects to. Clever. “Crush Grapes” plays around the album’s title obviously as Kingdom’s words echo struggle & fortitude over the slower drawl of Ruen’s beat and lonely horn sample that lingers over the bassline. Poverty isn’t an option here and there’s no going back. It doesn’t seem like anything hits harder than “Argentina Coke,” and the track’s title could probably tell you that in of itself. Yes, this is probably Ruen’s most realized track as he doesn’t layer it with more than is needed. Keys, a thick beat, with Kingdom trading verses with NIKO IS. Both emcees share bilingual verses, which suits the track itself. Did I mention this is probably my favorite track here? Yeah.

Kingdom Kome & Ruen continue to drop thoughtful tracks that deliver strengthened vitality, and Malbec 2 is testament to it. Fifteen tracks in total here, Kingdom allows so many likeminded individuals to make guest spots here. His closing “Fly Away,” is thoughtful and allows us all to see he’s on the right side of history. Raise up your glasses and toast Kingdom Kome & Ruen.