by Denzel Curry
Released March 25, 2022 via PH / Loma Vista Recordings
Reviewed April 4, 2022
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Walkin' (67%), Melt Session #1 (33%), X-Wing (28%)
Nearly a decade after releasing his debut album, Denzel Curry has yet to drop a bad project, with Melt My Eyez See Your Future as no exception. It’s remarkable for a rapper to have such a consistent high-quality discography at 27 years of age; as Denzel himself put it, “Jiggaman made his first album at twenty-six / I passed twenty-five, I was seventeen gettin’ rich.” Where other rappers might lose that hunger after years of success, Curry still has adrive to innovate. Whether it was the cloud rap of Imperial, the dark themes of TA13OO, or the love letter to Miami hip-hop on ZUU, the Florida MC continues to experiment with his sound without compromising quality. On Melt My Eyez, Curry paints himself as a wanderer navigating through the evils of mankind in the vein of famous cowboys like John Wayne or ronin like Zatoichi. While the parallels between samurai and gunslingers are not a new concept, the theme remains undeniably cool. Melt My Eyez incorporates influences from jazz and neo-soul to create Curry’s softest, most melodic instrumentals to date, creating a smooth atmosphere that feels vintage. It is in this old-school, film-like backdrop that the rapper reflects on himself and the world, gliding from track to track like a wanderer moving from town to town. Denzel Curry is a perfect example of a rapper reinventing himself without losing sight of his sound and identity. Every project sounds uniquely different from the others, but they all sound distinctly his. It’s anyone’s guess where he will go next. – Daniel (8.5/10)
Denzel Curry maintains his place among the contemporary greats with his latest release, Melt My Eyez See Your Future. Being consistent is a rare feat, especially in the artistic realm. Some find ways to maintain progress and take steps forward no matter their situation; in other words, they keep walkin'. Faced forward, they traverse through any cards dealt. Denzel embodies the ethos of ‘mind over matter,' if it doesn't matter, don't mind. I exist outside of what happens to me; essence is everything. Injecting life into all corners of the rap game is something most attempt to do, but lack the stamina, overall ability, and mental clarity. These corners include the introspective, braggadocious, technical, and spiritual aspects—all qualities that shine through. Adding in his versatility with regards to the artists that make appearances, Melt My Eyez further proves and solidifies that Denzel Curry is a multi-faceted artist. – Peter (7.5/10)
Denzel Curry has built his reputation for more than a decade, and Melt My Eyez See Your Future marks the Florida rapper’s fifth album in the same span. He’s has maintained a level of consistency over the last decade that not too many have matched, and he has done it all while constantly evolving; his latest record isn’t a reinvention of his sound, but it’s a long ways from the relentlessly energetic emcee that first bursted out of Florida as part of Raider Klan. While Curry has never been hesitant to embrace his more melodic side—most notably on the first act of 2018’s TA13OO—Melt My Eyez leans into it more than any other of his iterations. Along with a more focused theme than his last record, Curry discusses social issues and his own mental health journey. Addressing the impacts of materialism on him—as well as those around him is also a central theme—as is Curry’s own journey with spirituality. This leads to some moments of sincere introspection, but much of Melt My Eyez falls fairly flat. The subdued and jazzy production teeters on the verge of neo-soul, creating a rather pleasant atmosphere, but it never quite brings the level of flair needed. Denzel’s lyricism is still there, but this new direction limits the punch that his bars deliver. Overall, Melt My Eyez marks an interesting new chapter for one of rap’s brightest stars of the last decade, but feels underwhelming amidst such a strong catalog. – Dominick (7/10)
Jacques: 9/10 | Daniel: 8.5/10 | DeVán: 8/10 | Peter: 7.5/10 | Cam: 7/10
Dominick: 7/10 | Hadley: 7/10 | Alan: 6.5/10 | Jared: 4/10
