“Spiral Staircases” captures the calm confidence of financial freedom over cinematic, vintage production.
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TOP 3 SONGS
3. Empty Pages
We do not use the word ‘elegant’ enough for hip-hop songs, but I am using it here. “Empty Pages” features a genuinely elegant instrumental, filled with warm horns, an easygoing tempo, and some seductive do-do-dos from an unknown female singer. The production feels polished and unhurried, giving the track a refined glow that quietly demands your attention.
Curren$y delivers a laid-back verse where he speaks on being the realest playa on planet earth without trying too hard, letting his confidence simmer rather than boil over. The Alchemist steps in with an unorthodox flow, rapping about being a one-of-a-kind individual in a way that feels slightly off-center but completely intentional. Larry June follows with talk of hustling, sounding like he grabbed the mic right before a power nap.
Each artist moves at their own pace, yet the instrumental ties them together like a silk ribbon around a stack of paper. To me, this collaboration stands out as the most memorable track on the album.
2. P.1.G.
Both Curren$y and Larry June really came with it on “P.1.G.” For starters, they ride the soulful, hypnotic production effortlessly, locking into its rhythm and, at times, sounding like they are gliding across it instead of simply rapping over it. The beat has that smooth, cruising energy, and they understand it completely, never forcing a moment or stepping out of pocket.
Their boasting also feels more direct and unapologetic this time around. There is a quiet dominance in their tone, like they know they could do even more damage if they did not sit out the fourth quarters in the game of life.
Songs like this are why voodoo dolls were created.
1. Everything Allocated
You can’t call “Everything Allocated” boring at all (And trust me, you can argue all the other ones on this project are). From a production standpoint, the beat is dark and moody, yet it carries a tempo that keeps the blood pumping. Larry June kicks things off with a sly, unbothered verse, floating effortlessly over the backdrop. Curren$y follows with a strong performance of his own. His flow is sharp, but it is his menacing tone and dismissive delivery that really stand out.
Lyrically, both rappers touch on their luxurious home and car setups, their journeys to success, and the fun of lapping the competition. If getting rich had a soundtrack, this would be it.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. Stars On The Roof (4/5)
2. Everything Allocated (4.5/5)
3. Drive Alone (3.5/5)
4. Spiral Staircases (4/5)
5. Palo Santo (4/5)
6. P.1.G (4/5)
7. Empty Pages (4/5)
RGM RATING
(80%)
When I finally pay off all my student loans, probably around 2050, I imagine I will sound exactly like Larry June and Curren$y do on this album. Calm, collected, and completely at peace with the world. That kind of financial freedom has a tone to it, and throughout Spiral Staircases, they speak it fluently.
Across the project, they sound entirely unbothered by the inevitable trials and tribulations we all face. That likely comes from making smart monetary decisions, indulging in luxurious experiences, and understanding how to sustain their wins. From a rapping standpoint, both artists move however they please. They sing when they want, rap at their own pace, and refuse to let the production rush them. From a production standpoint, the album leans into cinematic, vintage sounding, anti rap textures that feel as elegant and debonair as possible.
If I had to compare this album to something, it would be a carefully prepared dish at your favorite fancy restaurant. Is it the greasiest or most explosive meal on the menu? No. But it is something you savor and appreciate for its refinement and decadence.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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