"Cheat Codes - Danger Mouse and Black Thought" Production is King


     I wouldn't say I'm the biggest rap fan. Frankly, if I listen to any rap it's because it's on the poppier side and has some soul influence, sort of like some of Kanye's stuff. There are also some rap songs I just think go hard, and that I can vibe to, and I enjoy those too, but those are much more far and few than a common appearance in my playlist. So when my friend Sweaty recommended Cheat Codes by Danger Mouse and Black Thought I was intrigued, after all it was described as "Jazz Rap" and while I may not be a Jazz expert I can appreciate it when it comes on, so without further ado, I present my track by track scores.

Cheat Codes by Danger Mouse and Black Thought

Sometimes – 85/100 Shoutout Danger Mouse, I am already really digging the production on this song, I also just love samples, especially when they’re from soul music so this is easily a great song.

Cheat Codes – 70/100 I like how these songs know not to overstay their welcome. Sometimes when a song is just straight rapping without any breaks or a chorus or anything for like 5 minutes it can be a bit much.

The Darkest Part (Featuring Raekown and Kid Sister) – 85/100 I like the piano playing in the background and Kid Sister’s singing, this album is just crafted so well I love it. 

No Gold Teeth –  65/100 This album is just so ridiculously solid, while rap isn’t my favourite genre by any means, if someone played this in a car I would definitely be ok and even encourage them to play it.

Because (Featuring Joey Bada$$and Dylan Cartlidge) – 75/100 Interesting choice to have all of the vocals on songs sort of go through this old timey filter so that they almost sound like the samples. Kind of a slower track but still good

Belize (Featuring MF DOOM) – 75/100 MF DOOM feature is always welcome, like what can I complain about with this album, that it sounds kind of old timey? I mean that’s kind of the point

Aquamarine (Featuring Michael Kiwanuka) –  75/100 Another solid song, will they never hit? I guess this just shows how much of an easy please I am with a rap song. Just have some good production and some decent singing I won’t mind.

Identical Deaths – 65/100 A bit too slow I guess would be my only complaint? Still solid but I’d rather there be a bit more.

Strangers (Featuring A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels) – 80/100 Not much of a chorus but the guest features are still very good so I’ll let it slide.

Close to Famous – 50/100 This song is fine? I didn’t really pay too much attention to it.

Saltwater (Featuring Conway the Machine) – 60/100 I’m not really feeling this song, like it’s fine but its just kind of boring.

Violas and Lupitas – 75/100 How did he pronounce Don Quixote? I kind of enjoy the violins, it gives off the sense of a sendoff, so a good way to finish this album.

Final Score: 76/100

    I mean what more can I say, even if it's not really in my wheelhouse I can still definitely appreciate what it brings to the table. It has tasteful features, and nothing really ever feels out of place in this album. While it does sort of end a bit weak in my eyes, I would be lying if I said the production wasn't simply immaculate. There's nothing to complain about the rapping either, and while I'm not too big of a fan of songs that's just straight rapping, Black Thought is pretty good I'll admit that. Overall, I see no reason why this album couldn't be higher if you enjoyed rap, there's nothing really holding it back.

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