A still of Denzel Curry & TiaCorine from the music video for “Hot One.”
The early returns, by way of “Hot One” and “Black Flag,” are incredibly promising, and another early AOTY candidate may be joining the slate in short order. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Denzel Curry singles, “Hot One” & “Black Flag.”
TiaCorine & A$AP Ferg Join “Zeltron” For “Hot One”
The first release of this two-pack, “Hot One,” builds on a truly Dirty South foundation, flipping a sample from Memphis outfit Gimisum Family off their 1993 release, “Fear No Evil.” Curry’s affinity for the Three 6 Mafia and similar acts is common knowledge at this point, and this is an extension of that relationship, ostensibly why his upcoming LP carries its name.
Denzel Curry again shows why he’s a perfect candidate to continue the legacy of those heavyweights, agile in his flows & infectious in his delivery on “Hot One.” Additionally, his ear for beats continues to be undeniable, the nocturnal, pitch-shifting melody of the production demands repeat listens.
As a matter of fact, with the big room bangers that both Corine & Ferg have delivered in their careers, it’s a testament to their individual versatility and Curry’s vision that the performances over top are so reigned in. Even with some laid-back (yet still plenty boisterous) deliveries on vocals, the sample and heavy-hitting production go a long way to making this one of the more energetic & anthemic rap releases of the year.
“Black Flag” Sees Denzel Curry Reunite With That Mexican OT
Compared to the mini-posse cut of “Hot One,” “Black Flag Freestyle” is much more of a classic, mano-a-mano bout. Curry’s section sees him march on with typical vigor, but a few of the lines certainly cut deep with regards to how he sees himself in the current industry: “I used to smart-talk, but now I had to dumb it down” & “I am not an emo rapper and I ain’t no f***** herd n****.”
As for the feature, the trademark r-rolling, drawl-heavy That Mexican OT delivery is always enough to make for a compelling guest spot. It’s just icing on the cake that the Texas native is as witty and dextrous as he is: “Ima delete ’em with millimeters, nah, for real / I cut open people, you just Dr. Phil.”
More than anything, OT’s newcomer status throws into stark relief the J. Cole-esque “Middle Child” role that Curry now occupies. Calling him one of the brightest faces in the genre is a testament to talent, not necessarily tenure any longer. His willingness to reach out to the newer crop of the South (Texas in this case & North Carolina with TiaCorine) and still strike such compelling chemistry elucidates why Curry captured such serious longevity, a rarity in a “microwave” climate.
Will King of the Mischievous South Deliver Another Denzel Curry Classic?
While a breakout commercial smash remains missing from the Denzel Curry trophy cabinet, there are scores upon scores of artists who haven’t managed to crack that code either. Not many of them can claim the additional accolades that the Florida native has, though. Just with the critically and publicly celebrated one-two of “Ta13oo” & “Melt My Eyez See Your Future,” he cemented himself as one of, if not the, defining faces of “underground” hip-hop, a title that King of the Mischievous South appears set to justify once again.
You can listen to both Denzel Curry singles, “Black Flag” & “Hot One,” wherever you get your music. King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 is expected to come out on July 19th.
