by Eric Foreman (@ericforemanDPT)
Just a few years away from artistic combat with one of the biggest artists in music, Pusha T is even more assured in his prowess. His unyielding vision is a definitive part of his artistic legacy and almost three decades into his career he sounds evergreen. Four years after the release of the showstopping Daytona he returns with his excellent fourth full length record It’s Almost Dry, a celebration of form and technique that is as consistent in tone as it is in quality.
A Virginia native, Pusha T has lived between the southern oddities of his own state and the Midwest social philosophers of his close affiliates in G.O.O.D Music. It’s Almost Dry calls on this interregional divide as foundation to the sonic landscape of the record. Of the twelve tracks, half are produced or co-produced by fellow Virginian Pharrell Williams and half by Kanye West. Despite each individual’s legend, the tracks meld - solidifying under Pusha T’s singular vision. Opening tracks “Brambleton” and “Let the Smokers Shine the Coups” boast a Pharrell signature four count intro before unfolding into bouncy, dark movements. On both tracks, Pusha bounds along with drums, laying low in the pocket and laying vicious lines from the personal to the outlandish. “Dreaming of the Past” reverts to Ye’s bread and butter with a stomping piano backing a pitched up Donny Hathaway sample. The production is lush, dancing through and around the ear as Pusha smiles through punches like “You hollerin’ Top 5/I only hear top me” and “I was bored by these albums so it gotta be time/no reward for the latter so it gotta be mine”.
Where Kanye’s contributions remain true to form, Pharrell’s compositions consistently take a darker tone facilitating a juxtaposition that swings Pusha’s raps between the soulful and the soulless. Single “Neck and Wrist” glitters and gleams fit with whispers and thumping 808’s. Pusha drops snowy Game of Thrones bars and icy brags. Even on a track with such seasoned names, Jay-Z’s verse feels like a moment. He blows through “I blew bird money, y’all talking Twitter feed/We got different Saab stories, save your soliloquy’s” with aplomb. Highlight “Just So You Remember” sees Pusha spitting through clenched fist and teeth. He murmurs threats but never breaks a calm thunder like a frustrated father. Closer “I Pray For You” uplifts with a heady vocal performance from Labrinth and a fantastic closing verse by former Clipse partner and brother Malice. Williams and West come together with “Rock and Roll” featuring a distorted Beyonce sample and fortuitous Kid Cudi hook that brings the best out of each artist involved.
Pusha T is uncompromising. The Virginia veteran has pushed his coke laced raps and menacing flows through decades, staying solid through a quickly changing commercial rap landscape. He moves by only his own meter, unwilling to budge on his subject matter or his timetable. On It’s Almost Dry, Pusha T is an auteur – scoring visions of white lines and dark threats. While he continues to be in demand, he is in control – knowing that good things come to those who wait.