The cover for the latest Denzel Curry project, ‘King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2.‘
To quote Jay-Z, “would you rather be underrated or overpaid?” Denzel Curry has been listed in “most underrated artists” conversations for essentially his whole career, a fact that belies the fact that his catalog is among the best in modern hip-hop. Following a stretch of introspective, conceptual projects, Curry zagged, set on returning to the thumping, anthemic material of his early career. Here’s everything you need to know about King Of The Mischievous South Pt. 2, the latest Denzel Curry LP.
Curry’s Latest Dips Into All Gas Mixtape Territory
“ULTRA SHXT” is red meat for those who found Denzel Curry off the strength of his RVIDXR KLVN output. Built on a Dirty South sample, hypnotic beat and classic tripley flows, the Florida MC shows that even if he has grown since his “Ultimate” days, those muscles haven’t atrophied one bit. Fellow RVIDXR KLVN alumni Key Nyata checks in alongside Denzel, himself reminding of those halcyon underground group days.
“SKED” is easily the most off-the-wall song here, bringing together booming, industrial production from the forever-underrated Charlie Heat and some infectiously high-octane performances by both Curry & Mason. Though previously released (and previously covered by us), “BLACK FLAG FREESTYLE” and “HOT ONE” champion the unrelenting energy and pace of this project and its deep cast of characters. Speaking of…
New Inductees Into The Denzel Curry Universe on King Of The Mischievous South
For hip-hop fanatics, the guest list that Denzel Curry enlists for King Of The Mischievous South is enough on its own two feet to bring a smile to your face. There are trap veterans like Ski Mask the Slump God and Maxo Kream, providing trademark grit & charisma and off-kilter flows & wittiness, respectively. Relative newcomers like Mike Dimes and Armani White shine in their spots. Though probably not expected to pop up here, Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz each fit seamlessly into the Denzel Curry canon.
And last but certainly not least, Three 6 Mafia’s own Project Pat and Juicy J make standout appearances. That final crop is easily the most rewarding. With how much Denzel Curry clearly looks up to the legendary Memphis outfit (gleaned from an audience standpoint or professed himself), earning their official co-sign on record feels like a crowning achievement.
A Change of Pace in Tone, But No Sacrifice In Quality
While it may be a strawman, there will certainly be a group of detractors who malign the lack of lyrical content on King Of The Mischievous South, especially given how weighty the past few Denzel Curry albums were. There are no “Black Balloons” or “Walkin'” on this tracklist, but how intricately the Florida MC constructs the ultra-aggressive sequel should ease that (supposed) slight. The Florida MC has already provided a slew of thought-provoking material—taking a break or charting a new path paved with gym playlist, head-banging music should be celebrated out of sheer versatility.
King of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 and all previous Denzel Curry material is available now wherever you stream your music.
