Courtney Bell is a 29 12 months outdated MC from Detroit, Michigan who bought began in 2018 by releasing the full-length debut album 10 Commandments adopted by the debut mixtape Poverty Stricken within the fall of 2020. As of recently although, he’s been taken below the mentorship of Royce da 5’9” & had a formidable visitor look on Nickle’s third EP The Heaven Expertise about 15 months in the past. They’re now seeking to take it to the following degree by not solely serving to Courtney land a MNRK Music Group contract, however even having Royce oversee the creation of his sophomore effort.

“For All We Know” begins us off with a cloudy instrumental speaking about how that is Hell already & no one may even concentrate on it whereas “Westside” that includes Royce da 5’9” works in some ominous piano chords from The Alchemist so each of them can get of their hardcore bag lyrically. The title observe has a summery entice flare to the beat flexing that he’s in his component on high of no one having the ability to fuck with him, however then the heavenly “Points” talks about being misplaced & life shit serving to him determine all of it out.

In the meantime on “Feeling You”, we’ve Courtney portraying a sensual facet to himself over smoother entice manufacturing whereas “Movement” brings a Detroit entice flare instrumentally flexing his hustle. Royce returns on the environment bass-heavy “Banz” produced by Jake One to affix his protege in calling out all of the bitch ass n****s on the market simply earlier than Nickel sticks round for the funky “Get ‘Em Excessive” alongside LaRussell, Sol ChYld & Symba with Hit-Boy behind the boards so all 5 emcees can drop straight bars for 4 minutes representing 3 of the 4 areas inside American hip hop (the midwest, the east coast & the west).

“Swivel” hooks up some pianos, kicks & snares speaking about protecting your head on the flip whereas “Bang” that includes Benny the Butcher & Royce da 5’9” brings the trio collectively for some rugged growth bap shit killing each rapper of their manner. “Phrase II Conway” dustily asks what’s a soldier to a fraud & what’s the love if it’s misplaced whereas “Shit” pulls inspiration from entice once more speaking about what he be on. “Psalms 82” flips a gospel pattern & throws some hi-hats within the combine to ring the alarm that’s till the nearer “Stroll with Me” ends the album by soulfully speaking about forfeiting if life’s a sport.

Being a lifelong Royce fan, I bought put onto Courtney by means of his verse on “Ion Wanna” & my anticipation for Microdose was elevated after studying that Nickel was taking him below his wing. Lo & behold: His debut on MNRK marks his return after 4 years introducing himself to newer followers like myself & giving the folks that’s already been following him an replace as to what’s been occurring in his life since. He presents a very completely different perspective on music & his life altogether after taking that point off prioritizing his psychological well being & this LP will certainly assist others going ahead.

Rating: 8/10