After a few years of anticipation, Shady Records signee Westside Boogie returned this June with his sophomore album More Black Superheroes. In every sense of the word, this record was well worth the wait as it showcases Boogie’s growth and improvement as an artist all while highlighting his further understanding of his own existence.
Through 12 tracks that span over the course of 37 minutes, the Compton MC packages together an experience that is vulnerable, introspective, action packed, and he manages to tackle all of this with the utmost precision and grace.
With a running time on the shorter side of the spectrum every second truly counts and to our delight, no moment is ever really wasted. This attention to detail allows for the lp to flow like a rollercoaster with its exciting twists and turns in terms of both substance and musicality.
This standard is kicked into action with the intro track “KILLA MODE,” an intense track about inner torment and self inflicted delusion. The following track “STUCK” punches these initial themes and feelings in with a fast-paced trap cut that reveals to us some of Boogie’s most conflicted thoughts. These songs are defining moments in the album as we get a glimpse into some of the trauma that is haunting the 33-year-old mc. He tells us that he is trapped in some sort of spiritual purgatory and does not know how to escape it. This conflict sets up the rest of the record to feature a captivating journey of self reflection and a further character analysis of Westside Boogie.
One of this albums strongest suites is how stylistically versatile it is. Each cut has a distinct tone and sound and this adds so much excitement to the listening experience when going through each track. With features from artists like Snoop Dogg, Smino, and Soulja Boy we also experience one of a kind collaborations that channel different sides of Boogie.
Teaming up with singer Mamii, “NONCHALANT” is one of the most beautiful sounding songs that has released all year. This is conveyed through the soft, string-based instrumental and the stunning vocals from both Mammi and Boogie who pushes himself to sing his heart out. Both artists have so much emotion projecting through their vocals and with Boogie’s inflicted writing about a lover the moment is both relatable and thought provoking.
The transition from this moment to “LOLSMH II” highlights just how special Westside Boogie’s artistry is. He keeps the emotional weight high as he takes an introspective route delivering one of the peak lyrical performances of his career here. He attempts to tackle his demons and he really goes deep into his insecurities and dark memories. It’s this exact level of passion and vulnerability that makes the lyrical sections on tracks like the torn-up “PRIDEFUL II” and Snoop Dogg collaboration “WINDOWS DOWN” feel so powerful.
Between the sheer emotion woven into each track and sonic beauty seen on tracks like “CANT GET OVER YOU” and “SOMETHING STRANGE,” More Black Superheroes is a fantastic sophomore album and one of the premier offerings the west coast rap seen has given us in 2022.
Rating: 7.7/10
Tracklist Ranked:
- LOLSMH II
- CAN’T GET OVER YOU
- NONCHALANT
- PRIDEFUL II
- ANTHONY (WAR)
- WINDOWS DOWN
- STUCK
- KILLA MODE
- SOMETHIN STRANGE
- RATCHET BOOG
- CAN’T EVEN LIE
- AIGHT
Written By: Mr. Fantastic
