JOZIAH – DARKskinEFFECT (Album Review)

JOZIAH hits us with great flows, meaningful lyrics, and infectious beats on “DARKskinEFFECT.”

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TOP 5

5. PROUD OF MY TRIBE

JOZIAH and Chase Mill talk their s**t on “Proud Of My Tribe.”

On “Proud Of My Tribe,” JOZIAH and Chase Mill remind the world that they are two dudes that are impeccable rappers, two dudes that are proud to be black, and two dudes that grew up with some of the grittiest folks on this planet.

What I love about “Proud Of My Tribe” is that it features both cocky and humble lyrics by JOZIAH and Chase Mill. I also love that the song shows off the two rappers’ kill-a-rapper sides.

4. HOW WE GREW UP

On “How We Grew Up,” JOZIAH lets the world know about all of the good, bad, and ugly things that he grew up seeing.

The beat attached to “How We Grew Up” is powered by exuberant horns and tons of bass. Over the beat, JOZIAH raps gently about his rough come-up, his lofty goals, and his growth as a man. Even though the song boasts soothing vibes, every single word that comes out of JOZIAH’s mouth is as impactful as it gets.

The way JOZIAH shifts gears on this song is impressive.

3. NYABINGHI LOVE

I absolutely love “Nyabinghi Love!”

There are harder tracks on DARKskinEFFECT, but there aren’t many that can get you to shake your ass fearlessly. Seriously, “Nyabinghi Love” features a beat that boasts hypnotizing vibes and a hook by Suspect that I guarantee will get stuck in your head after only one listen. As for JOZIAH, he plays the ultimate sucker for love that doesn’t mind spoiling and praising his chick on the song.

People need to stop acting like they’ve never fallen in love before…

2. ORANGE MONEY

“Orange Money” is an anti-hero’s anthem.

“Orange Money” boasts an instrumental that is both soulful and gritty. Over it, JOZIAH does a great job of blessing us with a hook that is hella catchy, dynamic flows, and confidence, baby, CONFIDEEENCE!!! He also hits us with lyrics that will make his mom feel both proud and ashamed of his crooked come-up, lyrics that will make his haters feel pissed about his crooked come-up, and lyrics that will make us listeners understand how complicated it is to grow up in the hood.

1. NO PRESSURE

Both JOZIAH and Mila Akilah let the world know that there is nothing wrong with fearlessly loving on your better half on “No Pressure.”

I absolutely love the contrasting styles that you get on “No Pressure.” While both the beat and Mila Akilah bless the song with soothing vibes, JOZIAH blesses it with clever bars and raw deliveries. I also like how the two musicians talk about love in a way that is heartwarming, blunt, relatable, and sensual on their respective contributions.

You don’t have to be in love to appreciate “No Pressure;” all you have to do is appreciate good music.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. LETHAL LIFE (4/5)

2. ORANGE MONEY (5/5)

3. NYABINGHI LOVE (5/5)

4. BAD HABITS (3/5)

5. CALL ME! (4/5)

6. NO PRESSURE (5/5)

7. HOW WE GREW UP (5/5)

8. PROUD OF MY TRIBE (5/5)

9. TMB INTERLUDE (N/A)

10. PROVE IT (4/5)

11. LIFE DAMAGING (4/5)

12. LAVISHLY BLACK (5/5)

13. DODGING FEDS (4/5)

14. RETIRED OG (4/5)

15. LETHAL LIFE (4/5)

OVERALL RATING

(A)

DARKskinEFFECT is a refreshing body-of-work. Not only does it feature delightful beats, memorable hooks, and outstanding guest appearances, but it also features compelling raps that are delivered flawlessly. By the time you are done listening to the album, you will have sympathy for folks that made it out of the hood, you will understand what a complete song sounds like, and you will understand that JOZIAH is one of the most talented musicians in the game right now.