Review Summary: An Underrated Gem From One Of Hip Hop's Most Fascinating Artists.
Basedworld Paradise was released in the midst of Lil B developing Hoop Life, a highly anticipated mixtape due to one of its songs declaring inflammatory messages towards Kevin Durant, a famous NBA player. As a result, it produced a crowd-pleasing feud. I believe Lil B became so preoccupied in Hoop Life that he didn't promote Basedworld Paradise enough, and steered most of his audience away from it. For that reason, it's unfortunate it didn't receive more attention, as this is one of his best releases.
Lil B's method for creating an album hasn't changed; whether it be exclusively comedic, sincere, or a mix of both, he has a knack for choosing instrumentals and taking advantage of his adaptable flow. Whatever beat Lil B raps over, he usually monopolizes it. He's done this with other successful LPs such as Gods Father, both versions of Illusions of Grandeur, I'm Gay, Red Flame Devil Music Edition, etc., and Basedworld Paradise is no exception. What makes this album stand out is that it's arguably his most steady, hard-hitting, and compelling. There's rarely a stale moment on it. The opening track "Im Tupac" establishes a robustness that doesn't stop, as well as a surprising arrangement of trap, alternative, conscious, and boom-bap tracks; even more astonishing, the diversity of sub-genres doesn't create tangents. Listening to Basedworld Paradise is more than hearing a solid album; it's a fun, inspiriting experience.
The direction Lil B took is hinted at the Kanye West-inspired album cover. Like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Basedworld Paradise is layered with an ominous and introspective aura, but still carries plenty of exciting "based" tracks for positivity and cooking. An excellent quality of the LP is the progression. Despite the distinctiveness of a number of tracks, each changeover feels natural, and there are many of them. One of the best transitions on the album is from the orchestrated "Hip Hop 101" to the gritty and resilient "Just A Lil Bit". There's also one I'd recommend to those who aren't familiar with the Basedgod's work: "Castles And Dragons" is a hilarious cooking track; its style is what Lil B is well-known for (possessing 5 to 50 bitches, swag, etc.), but the track is notably more poignant than others like it. After it finishes, "Green flame Remix" is the next song, distinguished as one of the more soulful ones that demonstrates Lil B's motivational and powerful lyricism. After that, check out how the LP builds up on the theme of ambition and love with "I Don't Hate You". Hell, do yourself a great favor and listen to how marvelous the entire thing is from start to finish.
Throughout the album, Lil B invites you to this land of great pleasure, unity, and diversity; a place where your wrongs and social status are irrelevant, and the enjoyment emphasized. You're being taken on a journey in addition to hearing music. As a result, Basedworld Paradise is possibly Lil B's most coordinated and energetic LP yet, and one of my nominees for Best Album of 2014 as well as Best Collectible from The Basedgod of 2014.
Favorite Tracks: None. I have too many of equal prestige.
Least Favorite Tracks: "Bitches Till I Die" due to how deficient it is compared to everything else.
