Ratings for albums by Strick, YTB Fatt, and RZA.

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Strick – ALL TIME HIGH

(C)

Strick just dropped his biggest album to date.

I wish I could review every single album that drops, but with taking care of kids, bills, and bowel movements, I just don’t have the time. If I did, I’d have given Strick’s album a thorough review.

Strick’s ALL TIME HIGH features a star-studded lineup with guest appearances from Young Thug, James Blake, Travis Scott, Future, Ty Dolla $ign, and 6LACK—serious A-listers and B+-listers. While Strick’s rap voice might come off as a bit nonchalant for some, his ability to get vulnerable and introspective on tracks, sharing his thoughts on relationships and his journey, is compelling. Don’t worry — he still brings his share of reckless energy. Overall, the project is a solid listen with diverse production.

Favorite Tracks: “KISSES MAKE SURE,” “CR@SH,” “RECIPE FOR LOVE.”

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RZA – A Ballet Through Mud

(N/A)

RZA is f**king brilliant.

It’s one thing to step outside of the box, but stepping so far outside that your iPhone can’t even track you is exactly what RZA did for his new classical album, A Ballet Through Mud (Yes, classical album). In collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Dragon, the Wu-Tang legend presents eleven tracks of pure instrumentals that evoke the cinematic drama of a soundtrack like Fantasia. It’s an impressive and bold project. While I enjoyed it, I definitely feel unqualified to fully review it.

Favorite tracks: “The Lotus Arrives” and “A Ballet Through Mind”

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YTB Fatt – On Zai

(C+)

And the most gutter album of the week goes to…

I’ll be straight with you: YTB Fatt has emerged at a time when there are plenty of rappers with a similar sound. So, what’s his style? Think of a trill guy with a raspy voice and a flow that feels like it’s barely holding on for dear life. But here’s the catch: his music is fire. Just last Friday, YTB Fatt dropped the deluxe version of On Zai. It only has six tracks, but that’s enough to showcase his violent, street-inspired, gritty ways. The production he raps over is slightly eerie, packed with heavy bass or R&B vibes. All in all, I find this project to be impressively diverse and fulfilling.

Favorite Tracks: “Free Bank,” “Hustler,” and “Conspiracy V2”