Put You On: A Quick Review Of The New Album From Girl Talk With Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., and Smoke DZA

We don't cover a lot of rap here but we listen to it. And this release sort of snuck up on us here at this site. Full Court Press, the new collab from Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., Smoke DZA, and Girl Talk, bounces around with the fun and power that only comes from a diversity of flows and assured production. Those coming to these tracks for any of these rappers, or for the music of Girl Talk will all be rewarded.

If opener "Mind Blown" seems a Wiz show, "Put You On" is a more equitable showcase for each member of this collective. From K.R.I.T.'s hyped rhymes, to DZA's earthy delivery, and back to Khalifa's fun vibe, the cut is a jam and a half. Girl Talk's beats and hooks are throwbacks and light as air, just like they are on "How the Story Goes", an excellent Nineties-flavored monster. Elsewhere, the heavy beats of "No Singles" battle the smooth keyboard lines of the cut to anchor DZA's lyrics, and Wiz's couplets to offer up an excellent blend of the best that rap can offer. These are superb singles, as is the retro-laced "Revenge of the Cool", a semi-elegant jam with DZA smooth as hell here, as are the synths underneath. And what can be said about the throb of "Ain't No Fun", this album's clear hit?

Everything on Full Court Press is pure pleasure. There's no dud on here, no stupid skit, no filler. And each rapper gets a track to himself with Girl Talk, with "Season" being my fave of the three such selections. Smoke's natural flows blend effortlessly with the smooth keys, enough that a listener is both surprised at how easy this one goes down, even as it battles for prime placement in a listener's favor with Wiz's "Ready for Love", a ready-made hit jam elsewhere.

This is an excellent album, full of bits and pieces that should please any heads of Nineties or turn of the century rap. Party rap, street concerns, and simple flows combine to make this such an easy record to love.

More details on this Girl Talk release via the official website.

[Photo: Braden Walker]