Kenny Mason drops nine solid bangers in “9.”
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TOP 3
3. CHOSEN
“CHOSEN” is a lane I want to see Kenny Mason double down on.
I’m someone who wants to see young rappers double down on introspective music. Kenny Mason does just that with “CHOSEN.” In the song, he talks about his growth, loyalty to his brother, and making major sacrifices for himself and his family. Though Kenny employs this bouncy rap style for a good chunk of the time, there are slight moments in which he displays these beautiful vocals. All in all, this is a complete and meaningful track by Kenny.
Without BabyDrill’s contribution, “EASY DUB” would have secured the third spot on my list.
2. US
While “US” impresses me sonically, I may find myself more drawn to its sound than truly enjoying it.
Back in the day, I used to be impressed when a rapper ventured into rock territory. Now, it’s become more common, so I’m impressed when they do it authentically. “US” feels genuinely rock to me. In the song, Kenny delivers edgy vocals, sometimes even with a roaring quality that fits perfectly over the electrifying, moving production. The rebellious, motivational lyrics add that extra kick to the song’s appeal.
1. JUMPIN IN
Whenever a project kicks off with soulful vibes, it’s an instant attention-grabber for me.
In “JUMPIN IN,” Kenny Mason doesn’t hold back, blending aggression with introspective lyrics over a soulful beat. He dives into topics like his readiness to engage in conflict, ambitious drive, and other personal reflections. Kenny’s confident delivery and unpredictable flows will strike a chord with you, while the production will satisfy you.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. JUMPIN IN (4.5/5)
2. EASY DUB (Ft. BabyDrill) (3.5/5)
3. FEEL IT (4/5)
4. 4 MY (Ft. Veeze) (4/5)
5. MONEY SIGNS (4/5)
6. US (4/5)
7. SLIP (Ft. Toro Y Moi) (4/5)
8. CHOSEN (4/5)
9. LUMINOUS (4/5)
RGM RATING
(B-)
Did you know that Kenny Mason was this talented? I 100% did not. In 9, you get to hear Kenny in his fullest element, and I think he impresses.
Despite his basic rap moniker, Kenny Mason displays impressive versatility on this project. He seamlessly transitions between dropping knowledge, experimenting with rock elements, and embracing his darker side. His lyrical range is equally diverse, touching on topics from providing for his family to navigating the streets. Kenny’s personality and musical intuition shine through, though I wish he would dial back his somewhat too-cool-for-school tone on some tracks and fully unleash his raw emotion in the booth. Nevertheless, this album stands as a testament to his talent and potential.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
