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Danny Brown creates ambitious sound with ‘Atrocity Exhibition’
By Billy Lemos, C.R. Washington
Nov. 14, 2016 3:55 pm
In September, Danny Brown returned with the release of his first album in three years. The project, titled 'Atrocity Exhibition,” seamlessly blends traditional hip-hop and experimental post-punk sounds.
Both instrumentally and lyrically, the album draws obvious influence from past rock bands such as Joy Division.
The first song - 'Downward Spiral” - immediately displays Brown's emotional and psychological state of frailty. On the track, Brown speaks out on his struggles with drug abuse and loneliness over an off-putting instrumental produced by Paul White. 'Tell Me What I Don't Know” has Brown discussing the death of one of his friends and referencing a situation in which he was stuck in court. The track features an excellent instrumental with wide synths and varied drums orchestrated by White. 'Really Doe” features verses from Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Earl Sweatshirt and is a definite high point on the album. The track's varying flow layers perfectly on top of the haunting instrumental created by Black Milk.
'Ain't it Funny” has Brown detailing his substance abuse and constant confrontations with the devil. The instrumental on this track is just pure insanity, featuring abrasive horns and aggressive yet simplistic drums produced by White. 'Pneumonia” has Brown explaining his drug addiction and relationship issues over a disturbing, percussive instrumental produced by Evian Christ.
'When It Rain” has Brown discussing how his life has spiraled out of control. Brown makes several clever metaphors while quickly flowing over another energized beat produced by White.
The album's final track, 'Hell For It,” illustrates Brown still has some sense of positivity, despite his abundant issues. Brown flows about how he wants to carry out his legacy over another offbeat, experimental White beat.
In the end, Brown has created a challenging and ambitious album that ultimately succeeds at captivating his listeners. Though it requires several listens, 'Atrocity Exhibition,” is an innovative project that certainly warrants your time and money.