New(ish) Music Review: Krizz Kaliko - "Kickin' & Screamin'"

Krizz Kaliko - Kickin' & Screamin'. 4/5 Stars

STRAAAANGE... MUSIC. This album isn't for kids, but if you're not a kid, boost the volume. (Yes, this review is far too delayed)

Krizz gets better with each successive album, and manages to pull off a fantastic mix that's harder to qualify as strictly rap because he's also a talented singer, in some ways not far off from Cee Lo Green, and in others so far beyond, because he actually does rock along with his rap. Before you start asking how I can compare the two, most of Krizz's vocals are deeper than what Cee Lo normally does, but he does have an impressive upper range as well. While the main sections of the album are good "party" rap, they aren't what make the album. There are several songs that dig a lot deeper into "Kali's" psyche, continuing his pattern from the previous albums of discussing his health concerns, mental and physical, while not giving up hope, and in fact embracing how they've made him who he is (Specifically "Created A Monster"). This provides a lot of insight into why his music goes the way it does and helps even the darker portions of the album make a lot more sense emotionally than the majority of rappers who choose to go "dark" just because they can. While he does unfortunately fall into a couple rap stereotypes language-wise, it rarely detracts from the message he's trying to get across (There are also times he uses the language strictly to make a point). He occasionally samples from his other albums and collaborations, which makes for a good reminder of his previous works and makes sure his music connects well from one album to the next without being overdone. Also, like most of the albums on Strange Music, there are a lot of collaborations from within the label, a smart choice since it not only sounds good, but sells the other artists just as well. This album fits the Strange label perfectly, so obviously SM fans will love it, but I'd also recommend it to fans of Cee Lo Green, Korn, Eminem, and even dubstep.

Tracklist:

1. Intro (Feat. Scenario)

2. Dancin' With Myself

3. Kali Baby [explicit]

4. Kill S**t (Feat. Tech N9ne & Twista) [Explicit]

5. Mayday (Feat. Chamillionaire & Rittz) [Explicit]

6. Dumb For You (Feat. T-Pain) [Explicit]

7. Spaz (Feat. Tech N9ne) [Explicit]

8. Dixie Cup (Feat. Big Scoob & Twiztid) [Explicit]

9. Abu Dhabi (Feat. 816 Boyz) [Explicit]

10. Species [Explicit]

11. Can't Be The Only One (Feat. Tech N9ne)

12. Created A Monster

13. Hello Walls (Feat. Tech N9ne)

14. Wannabe (Feat. Twiztid) [Explicit]

15. Unstable

16. Dream Of A King (Feat. ¡Mayday! & Prozak) [Explicit]

17. Stay Alive (Feat. Big Scoob) [Explicit]

iTunes Version:

18. Layin' Down (Feat. Liz Suwandi)

19. So Hard

Pre-Order Version:

18. Bad Man (Feat. Oobergeek) [Explicit]