Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: Denzel Curry returns with 'King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2,' embodying his alter ego "Big Ultra" in a long-awaited homage to the South's hip-hop heritage. The album blends 90s-inspired beats reminiscent of Memphis legends like Three 6 Mafia, infused with Curry's creative spontaneity and rap power. Departing from his concept-driven albums, this sequel to his 2012 mixtape reconciles his career journey and past relationships. The project features an impressive lineup including fellow Southern rappers Ski Mask The Slump God, Juicy J, and Maxo Kream, alongside non-Southern guests like A$AP Ferg and Ty Dolla $ign. Lead single 'Hot One' ft. TiaCorine and A$AP Ferg shows Curry's big, booming Southern sound, promising an album that celebrates and evolves the regional musical legacy with modern flair.

Review: Opening out with a distorted, but, of course, still recognisable, sample of Jeremy Steig's 'Howlin' for Judy', 'King of The Mischievous South Vol.2' is boldly repping the sound of 90s hip-hop, pulling references from the Beastie Boys (who also famously chopped up the aforementioned Steig flute for 'Sure Shot') and Three6Mafia. Here, we see Curry embody his alter ego Big Ultra in full effect, the head honcho of Ultraground. What to expect? Hardcore flows on full violence, as well as the inclusion of the legend Kingpin Skinny Pimp throughout - one of Three6Mafia's most underrated affiliates, though a host of behind-the-scenes drama got in the way after his mega influential 'King of Da Playaz Ball' album broke the mould. There are also features from 2 Chainz and Juicy J to name a couple - it's a stacked lineup. The LP dips its toes into a host of different genres, even pulling from the recent Brazilian phonk explosion on 'Lunatic Interlude', which is followed by the hard-hitting 'Sked' - a bass-laden cut with a slick Kenny Mason verse over blaring 808s that evoke Playboi Carti and his contemporaries that are pushing boundaries, and speakers, to their limits. He even breaks out a smoother singing passage on 'COLE PIMP', evoking the Outkast-era Atlanta scene that continues to influence all your favourite rappers to this day. Curry is flexing his versatility, as well as his importance in the rap canon as a name to know.

Review: Denzel Curry returns with King of the Mischievous South Vol 2 and in doing so he embraces his "Big Ultra" persona in what is, for fans, an eagerly awaited release. The album combines Southern hip-hop sounds with 90s-inspired beats while drawing influence from Memphis rap styles and iconic groups like Three 6 Mafia. This record shifts away from his usual concept-driven approach to showcase his rap skills and creative spontaneity while reflecting on his own career and mending past relationships. With its blend of nostalgic beats and personal introspection, King of the Mischievous South Vol 2 shows Curry's evolution and versatility.