French-American veteran Napoleon da Legend leaves no stone unturned with his 30th studio album. For the real heads in the underground scene, he has long since ceased to be an unknown. In almost a decade, this lyrical grandmaster has built up an impressive discography. Think of albums like *Coup D'État* and its sequel, *Street Universe*, *Dragon Ball G*, the Sicknature-produced *Colossus of GOATs*, *Buckets*, the DJ D-Styles-produced *Invincibl Rap Mislz* and the DJ Rhettmatic-produced *Legmatic*. And if that's not enough salt, he and JR Swiftz entered into a next level collaboration last month on the excellent *Great Minds* and have teamed up with Giallo Point to add considerable spice to the scene again with *F.L.A.W. (Following Lies Always Wounds)*.
The track "Chasing Shadows" kicks off Napoleon's second project of this year ominously, where he talks about being on the brink of making drastic decisions. The flow doesn't stop there, as "Life or Death" featuring Jay Royale dives into the game of survival where only the strong come out on top. "That Ain't It" takes the listener deeper into the basement again to tease out the concept of daily hustle, while "Welcome 2 the Theater" featuring Ghost Machine brings out a piece of soulful strings to burn off the theatrical rappers.
Invisible Handz comes in without a pardon for the drumless "Unforgiving," in which the gentlemen unpack about the capriciousness of the hip-hop game and how their former opponents have since lost the plot. The boom bap vibes return on "No Morals," where Napoleon suggests that conscious hip-hop and gangsta rap are the same coin, just packaged differently. "Doing What I Gotta Do" is a truly self-reflective track about persevering to survive. But then "Nesquik" comes around the corner and provides some chills with how quickly he makes everyone lose.
"Solar Opposites" featuring Eloh Kush comes around the corner, and they make it clear that their knowledge weighs heavily and truth is not easy to come by. "Motivation" deliriously explores the idea that everyone would have motivation if it were really that easy. Sunez Allah joins in for the title track, allowing them to explain together how following lies always takes its toll. And in the piano-driven "Peace," Napoleon sits back quietly, counting his well-deserved stacks.
Nejma Nefertiti makes her appearance for "Presume the Unpredictable," crowning the tastemakers of *F.L.A.W. (Following Lies Always Wounds)* as the deadliest MCs in the neighborhood - from cradle to grave. The closing track "Marathon" completes the second consecutive classic move in Napoleon's rich catalog within two months, inspired by the Japanese philosophical concept of the three faces.
Exactly four weeks after *Great Minds*, which raised the bar midway through the first month of this year, Napoleon returns with another album that maintains the high quality of underground hip-hop, much like its predecessor and even *Legmatic*. Giallo Point's production is not inferior to JR Swiftz's. Although the features are less imaginative this time around, I appreciate how Napoleon warns everyone about the consequences of believing in lies. This album is a hefty scoop of salt about the scene!
Score: 9/10
Even if you're just a 27-year-old dude from Detroit, Michigan with a huge love for hip-hop culture and music, this release is not to be missed. Never miss an update again and sign up for our weekly newsletter. Get exclusive content, news and events straight to your inbox. Napoleon da Legend is putting another fat mark on the scene with *F.L.A.W.*. What do you think, is he the GOAT or is there still doubt in your corner?
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