Review Summary: I ROSE FROM OUTTA THE QUAGMIRE, LIKE RAMBO SCREAMING LETTING THE GAT FIRE, LIGHT THE BLUNT WITH THE BIG FLAME FROM AH CRACK LIGHTER, STEP ON THE GAS SPINNIN THE BACK TIRES
Nickelus F is a rapper out of Richmond, Virginia. Over the years he's dropped a handful of projects, one of which is somewhat of an underground classic collaboration with Lil Ugly Mane AKA Shawn Kemp. Nickel has a distinct sound that is a breath of fresh air amongst the slew of other hip hop releases these days.
Stuck has a nice variety of different soundscapes to explore. From the villainous opener "Sleazie Wonder" to the heavily Memphis inspired instrumental closer "Dump You In a Rivah" there's quite a large range of emotions and topics touched on here. The samples and overall triumphant atmosphere oozing out of "I Got Up" is so incredibly satisfying no matter how many spins I give it. "King Soulja" is possibly the most light hearted song here but is definitely a highlight for those abstract bars that I've come to love Nickelus F for over the past few years.
There's a hefty amount of introspection spread throughout Stuck. My introduction to Nickelus F was "I Ain't Cried Yet" and I was immediately taken aback by the vulnerability shown and the pain coming through in his voice on the track. Just his delivery on the track alone was enough to really stick with me but with it being laid down over one of the most soulful beats that spring to mind the track has been permanently etched into my brain ever since.
The bulk of the album has a mostly dark and dreary tone. It isn't all doom and gloom though. Nickel has a solid ability to bounce from something that seems fitting for a party kind of atmosphere then quickly flip it on you into the realm of crippling depression. Oddly enough even on the cuts that lyrically seem more braggadocious the production has a way of still giving it that low down atmosphere that the more introspective tracks carry. The beats here almost seem like they're drenched in dust, bogged down and created in some nefarious alleyway in one of the nastier corners of the city.
Overall Stuck comes close to achieving modern day classic status for me. F is easily one of my favorite rappers doing it today in good company with others like Lil Ugly Mane and Danny Brown. This album is one gigantic vibe and while Nickelus might not be the most hype rapper doing it or even the most lyrical he's absolutely exceptional at creating amazing atmosphere and his beat selection is flawless. Although he couldn't be more different stylistically the interesting words F throws out there and way he strings his bars together bring MF DOOM to my mind when listening. Virginia has to have one of the most interesting scenes going on in hip-hop today and it's sadly very slept on. Highly recommend any hip-hop fans who haven't to give this and Trick Dice both a listen.
