Before You Go＜Black & Silver Vinyl＞

西海岸から世界へ羽ばたく新進気鋭ラッパー、ブラストのアルバムがヴァイナル仕様で発売。2020年にTy Dolla $ignとTygaをフィーチャーしたシングル「Chosen」は、YouTubeで5000万再生を記録。ヒップホップメディア誌XXLによる「Freshman Class 2021」に選出されるなど注目を集める旬の男。

Before You Go, the first solo full-length from Blxst, follows the rapper/singers success with the gold single "Chosen" and the Def Jam-distributed sequel to his and Bino Rideauxs Sixtape. The Los Angeles native tends to either produce or co-produce the majority of the tracks on each of his projects. This time, he handles only co-production on just a handful of the cuts, delegating the duties to an array of collaborators who include ThaRealCStylez and ThaRealJFKBeatz, Mike & Keys, J Mo, and Sevn Thomas. The material overall is consequently a little smoother and glossier compared to Blxsts 2020 EP No Love Lost. Violinist Grandmaster Vic adds another layer of musicality, even soloing on "Pick Your Poison." These changes sound like natural developments instead of artistic compromise. Blxst elevates his writing with a little more depth, detail, and subtle wordplay, and he keeps it straightforward, never pandering, whether examining himself or working through relationship matters in a conversational manner. The meeting with Rick Ross on "Couldnt Wait for It" is sensibly both aspirational and soulful, while the appearances from Arin Ray and Zacari are also well-placed. Promoted as a mixtape, Before You Go is of greater significance. ~ Andy Kellman