Burgh Not The Burbs

We hadn't heard from Pittsburgh Pa's own Mac Miller since signing his major deal with Warner Bros. for a whopping 10 million dollars. With former projects like "Watching Movies With The Sound Off" and "Faces", being huge successes independently, one was to wonder how his major label debut would be. GO:OD A.M. not only delivers musically but also shows Mac in a happier place personally.

As far as hip-hop goes this is a thoroughly complete album that sends GO:OD vibes. The intro is a playful instrumental followed by the song brand names which starts w/ an alarm clock and Mac starting out saying; "We in between heaven & hell/ Fuck a 9 to 5, I'd rather end up dead or in jail". Macs talents would clearly be wasted at McSlaps as he smoothly raps on rush hour and two matches. This leads into the albums lead single 100 Grand Kids where Mac absolutely rips the beat. He discusses his promise to give his mom some grand-kids while also discussing the unstoppable feeling he had when he made his first 100 thousand dollars. The next stretch of the album (Tracks 6-13) acts as the breakaway point where the high levels of artistry is utilized. Lil B provides inspiring positive words in time flies while Weekend ft. Miguel adds an out the box approach but completely works. When In Rome is an absolute banger in which Mac holds nothing back. A very interesting cut is Perfect Circle/God Speed. It is extremely personally as he discusses his low points and his maturation at the young age of 23. God Speed puts this in perspective has he spits "But white lines be numbing them dark times/Them pills that I’m popping, I need to man up/Admit it’s a problem, I need a wake up/Before one morning I don’t wake up"; "Every devil don’t got horns, and every hero ain’t got capes/Opened up my eyes, shit, I’m finally awake, Good morning". If the middle was the breakaway the back-end seemed as a victory lap. Cut the Check sees a good verse from Chief Keef which is rare nowadays. Ascension's sample from Curtis Mayfield's Never say you can't survive provides a nice touch. The outro Festival is literally the only song I would've been ok with being off the album. It just doesn't connect like the other songs to me.

I have two favorite songs which are Clubhouse and In The Bag. These two show Mac providing his brilliant lyrical wordplay over very good instrumentals. Producer Sevn Thomas gives us a Juicy J type feel on the In The Bag beat. Both videos are provided below. Sidenote: check out Rush Hour as well.

This album was well rounded and well put together. The growth is clearly apparent in Mac Miller's songwriting ability and is a nice addition to the already impressive discography from the artist. Album of the year candidate for sure.

Rating: 9 out of 10




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