Ron A.P. turns his deep thoughts into fantastic music in “City Of Love.”

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TOP 5

5. LOVE IN THE CLUB

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with finding love in the club (S**t, I met four of my ex-girlfriends in the club).

“Love In The Club” qualifies as a feel-good anthem. In the track, Ron explores the scene of clubs, narrating his quest to discover a well-put-together woman whom he envisions as a potential life partner deserving a spot in his will (Whoa, slow down, Ron!).

What stands out most in “Love In The Club” is Ron’s remarkable vividness. He delivers concise rap verses detailing the club scenes he frequents and provides insight into his thought process when encountering someone appealing. I’m a fan of detailed rap verses.

4. REAL LOVE

“Real Love” exudes an assertive, deeply personal, impeccably orchestrated authenticity—no surprise considering the track’s title. In the song, Ron delves into the potential he sees in a particular girl he’s drawn to. However, he laments her unawareness of her own worth, often succumbing to the deceitful games of other men.

Despite the gentle vibes in “Real Love,” Ron infuses every verse with a palpable undercurrent of angst and frustration. It’s clear that he’s not shy about expressing his sentiments on the need for better decision-making by these women.

I feel like girls love being in toxic situations. For example, why does the Real Housewives of Atlanta show keep being renewed when it’s obvious them broads don’t like each other?

3. JUST A FEELING

Everyone has encountered situations that have pushed them to the edge. In “Just A Feeling,” Ron appears most troubled by two aspects of his life: his main romantic interest and his 9-5 job.

I really f**k with “Just A Feeling.” Ron’s relentless and loose rap style on the track captivates me. Additionally, his vivid storytelling and open acknowledgment of feelings ranging from frustration and disgruntlement to optimism and pessimism about life add depth to the song.

2. THE MONOLOGUE

In the same way Will Smith exclaimed to Martin, “That’s how you drive” in “Bad Boys,” I feel like shouting to Ron A.P., “That’s how you make an intro song” after listening to The Monologue.

In “The Monologue,” you experience a hard-hitting beat, consistent flows, infectious melodies, and raps brimming with hunger. As for AP’s lyrics, they revolve around the notion of staying true to oneself in a world that constantly pressures you to change your style (Kudos for staying authentic, Ron).

Having experienced “The Monologue,” how could you bring yourself to hit the stop button on this album?

1. CITY OF LOVE

I mentioned Ron A.P. sounded hungry in “The Monologue;” in “City Of Love,” he seems like he’s never had a meal in his life.

“City Of Love” is propelled by a soulful instrumental that evokes deep emotions. Against this backdrop, Ron passionately raps about the racism, violence, corruption, drug-dealing, impressive haircuts, gentrification, and hustling prevalent in his hometown of Philadelphia.

What stands out to me the most in “City Of Love” is how Ron delivers his bars with a noticeable level of animation. Throughout the song, you can hear optimism, frustration, confidence, and anger in his voice, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience from start to finish.

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. THE MONOLOGUE (4/5)

2. CITY OF LOVE (4/5)

3. PHILLY JAWN (3.5/5)

4. JUST A FEELING (4/5)

5. THE PLAN (3.5/5)

6. REAL LOVE (4/5)

7. FAKE LOVE (3.5/5)

8. CIRCLES (3.5/5)

9. LOVE IN THE CLUB (4/5)

10. TAX BRACKETS (3.5/5)

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OVERALL RATING

(B)

Every single track on City Of Love is exceptional. While I have a personal top 5 from the album, the reality is that any selection of top 5 songs from it is virtually foolproof.

Let’s address the obvious first: Ron A.P. is an exceptional rapper. His flows are remarkable, his raps are articulate, he exudes confidence, and he commands respect on every track he touches. Throughout City Of Love, I appreciate how Ron delves into intimate topics such as his challenging upbringing, relationship struggles, his sources of motivation, pet peeves, and his envisioned future. Listening to the Philly rapper reveals his relatability, and in today’s music industry, relatable artists are undeniably thriving.

In essence, City Of Love is a sophisticated body of work by an artist with a compelling narrative, a knack for selecting fitting beats, and an unparalleled skill in the art of rap.