Pusha T delivers a cold-blooded prelude with “Darkest Before Dawn,” doubling down on his drug-lord bravado over some of the grimiest production in the game.
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TOP 5
5. Intro
Pusha T wastes no time making a statement on “Intro,” a cinematic opening track that plays like the official theme song for his empire. With snippets of what sounds like a Colombian drug lord laced throughout the production, the song sets the stage with an ominous aura—like you’re entering the mind of someone who’s already won the game before it even started.
Over punchy production (It will definitely whip your HomePod’s ass), Pusha raps with the confidence and grit of a man who’s weathered every storm and still walks tall. He proudly aligns himself with trap lords, asserts that he’s been blackballed yet undefeated, and boasts about going triple platinum—off the work, not the streams.
Lyrically, Pusha reflects on his past, shouts out his brother Malice, and acknowledges the pain and triumph that built him. He also tips his hat to some of the greatest producers in the game—Timbaland, Kanye West, and Pharrell—subtly reminding us of the elite company he’s kept throughout his career (Pusha lowkey only links up with legendary producers). His flow is calculated and aggressive, like he’s ready to take on twenty rappers by himself and still walk away without a scratch.
“Intro” does exactly what an opening track should: it introduces you to the world of the album while re-establishing who Pusha T is—rap’s anti-hero.
4. M.P.A. (Ft. A$AP Rocky, Kanye West & The-Dream)
“M.P.A.” by Pusha T is a moody, introspective cut that feels equal parts bluesy and emotionally worn-down. The instrumental paints the picture of someone leaving home with nothing but a dream and a bindle stick, chasing something better in a cold world. Even though Kanye West and A$AP Rocky are listed as features, it’s Pusha who carries the weight here, delivering sharp, focused verses about the dangers of falling for manipulative women and the importance of chasing long-term success over short-term pleasure. Kanye handles the chorus with a mellow, almost detached delivery, repeating the vices—money, pussy, alcohol—that often derail potential, especially in Black communities. While fans might feel scammed expecting full verses from Ye or Rocky, the song redeems itself with its soulful atmosphere, cautionary themes, and Pusha’s commanding presence.
3. M.F.T.R. (Ft. The-Dream)
“M.F.T.R.” featuring The-Dream, is the kind of track that makes villainy sound luxurious. With Boi-1da behind the boards, the production is cinematic and sinister, built for late-night mobbing with its action-packed tone and eerie undercurrent. Pusha glides over the beat with his signature boastful precision, delivering bars that feel like cruising through the city with the seat leaned back and one hand on the wheel. He reflects on his loyalty to the streets and the rap game, while calling out fake peers and affirming his place miles ahead of the competition.
Meanwhile, The-Dream brings a haunting presence to the hook, repeating “Amen” with unsettling calm while name-dropping firearms and confrontation like a smooth-talking villain. The result is a track that champions the anti-hero, with a chorus that hits like gospel from the dark side and a vibe that feels like a theme song for organized chaos.
2. Untouchable
“Untouchable” is a cold-blooded statement track that kicks down the door with pure menace. Over a wickedly dark beat from Timbaland, built around a snarling Notorious B.I.G. sample, Pusha slices through the production with surgical precision. His delivery is ferocious and calculated, rapping like he’s out for blood with every bar. Lyrically, he leans into his anti-hero persona, proudly owning his past in the drug game, calling out Donald Trump, flexing his Adidas deal, and cementing his authority as G.O.O.D. Music’s president. Every line drips with arrogance and intent, setting the tone for the rest of the project.
1. Crutches, Crosses, Caskets
“Crutches, Crosses, Caskets” is Pusha T at his coldest and most calculated, gliding over one of the most eerie and unorthodox beats in hip-hop—a chilling soundscape crafted by Puff Daddy, Mario Winans, and Honorable C.NOTE. The instrumental feels like something that doesn’t dare come out past 11PM. But Pusha, ever the villainous technician, leans all the way in, delivering some of his cleverest bars with a slow, deliberate flow that commands attention. Lyrically, he takes aim at rappers who’ve fallen off, inflated their wealth, or lacked the durability to survive the game. He makes it clear he’s ready for a war—whether it’s about riches or retaliation. There’s a surgical confidence in his voice, like a man who already knows how this story ends. And just like the beat, he’s not supposed to be liked—he’s supposed to be feared.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. Intro (4.5/5)
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RGM RATING
(82%)
“King Push: Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude” isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a warning shot. Pusha T doesn’t hold your hand or sugarcoat a damn thing. Across just ten tracks, he gives a masterclass in dope-boy theology, laying out the blueprint for stacking illegal paper and dodging the snakes who want to dim your shine.
His bars cut deep with surgical precision, delivered in a tone that screams, “I’ve been here, I’ve done that, and I’m still standing ten toes down.” The production? Menacing and masterful—Kanye, Timbaland, Boi-1da, and more cooked up soundscapes that feel custom-made for a villain in complete control of his empire. Sure, the features don’t add much fuel to the fire—The-Dream tries, Ye fumbles, Rocky disappears, and Kehlani isn’t quite ready for this arena—but let’s be honest, this project never needed them. This is the true definition of Pusha being in his bag.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
