Album Backlog Vol. 11: Kodak Black, Latto, King Von, Joell Ortiz, & KXNG Crooked

I’m still trying to catch up on albums I have been meaning to listen to. So here we are. Again. Volume 11. Let’s get to it.

Kodak Black – Back For Everything

Release Date: February 25, 2022

You may not like Kodak Black, but you got to give him props for his ability to still sell records and put out hit songs while being in controversies that would end other rappers’ careers. That said, I didn’t like his last album, Back For Everything. When he really is motivated and puts his mind to it, Kodak can actually rap. But this project is mostly filled with drugged-out singing from the Florida rapper. You can do better Yak.

Notable Song: “Let Me Know”

King Von – What It Means To Be King

Release Date: March 4, 2022

It is messed up that the first album that I thoroughly listen to by King Von is a posthumous album, but that is the messed up world that we currently live in. I will first salute Von because he raps on most of What It Means to Be King. The main drawback is that a lot of these tracks sound outdated. You can also point out how weird it is to hear a person who died due to gun violence rap about committing gun violence. Either way, R.I.P. to Von.

Notable Song: “Grandson For President”

Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked – Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse

Release Date: March 11, 2022

Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked’s Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse is basically them reflecting on the breakup and downfall of their former group Slaughterhouse. Both Joell and Crooked are talented rappers but the issue with this project is the same issue with previous Slaughterhouse projects, just this time you are missing two rappers (Royce Da 5’9” and Joe Budden) that may have been the more talented of the group (Basically I’m saying that the album is kinda boring). There are a few highlights on Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse but in the end, the controversy around the album was more entertaining.

Notable Song: “Backstage”

Latto – 777

Release Date: March 25, 2022

It feels like Latto’s album, 777, should have done better on the charts than it did. However, the album checked all the boxes: hit singles, big features (How did she get Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino on the same song?), cool/sexy album cover, and even a beat by Pharrell Williams. Personally, I didn’t mind the album. And while I probably won’t revisit this album again, I will say that Latto has talent and for the most part I liked the production. So, while some may consider 777 a flop, I don’t think the story is over for the rapper formerly named Miss Mulatto.

Notable Song: “Real One”