Washington D.C.'s own billy woods has made his debut with Rhymesayers Entertainment with his thirteenth studio album. Whether you know him as one half of the duo Armand Hammer, along with Elucid, or from his solo gems like "History Will Absolve Me" and "Dour Candy," one thing is for sure: billy woods has sprinkled quite a bit of salt in the abstract hip-hop scene. Three years after his completely Preservation-produced 'Aethiopes,' he takes the next step with his new album 'GOLLIWOG' by Rhymesayers.
The album opens with "Jumpscare," produced by Steel Tipped Dove, which omits the drums and has Billy comparing himself to a rag doll losing its luster. On "Star87," he takes you into psychedelic vibes, thanks to Conductor Williams, as he raps about his phone ringing nonstop due to searching for the hidden bodies. The track "Misery" leans heavily on the 1990 film of the same name, with Kenny Segal making sure the production is as dope as you'd expect. "BLK XMAS" featuring Brusier Wolf pokes at R.A.P. Ferreira's feelings because of Sadhugold's involvement, given the lingering beef.
"Waterproof Mascara" brings Preservation and billy back to the 'Aethiopes' vibes, and then on "Counterclockwise," billy co-headlines my favorite track with my top 10 producer of all time, The Alchemist. The song stretches a snake to the max, about where their paths cross. On "Corinthians" featuring Despot, the twosome spits stream-of-consciousness rhymes over a beat by El-P, and "Pitchforks & Halos" sees billy reflecting on all that time disappearing like sand between his fingers.
In "All These Worlds Are Yours," Armand Hammer throws abstract lyrics over a beat by DJ Haram, and "Maquiladoras" featuring al.divino makes the second half of GOLLIWOG pop with the message that time is always on their side. "A Doll Fulla Pins" featuring Yolanda Watson compares herself to a doll full of pins, while "Golgotha" has billy reflecting on a passing love.
Ant of Atmosphere gives "Cold Sweat" a piano swing, mocking the Pistons who chose Darko Miličić over Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. While the conscious rhymes continue in "BLK ZMBY," where billy explains why he knows so much. "Make No Mistake" hides everything in its lyrics and on "Born Alone" he shares his loneliness.
The final tracks on Billy's official Rhymesayers debut "Golliwog" are brought to you by Armand Hammer. "Lead Paint Test" with Cavalier uses their childhood homes as a haunted place full of memories, and "Dislocated" closes the album with both artists without additional guests, talking about disappearing from the spotlight.
This album is a dark mix of horror, humor, surrealism and Afropessimism, backed by an amazing array of producers. 'Golliwog' tantalizes with African zombies, time-traveling pedal cars and evil rag dolls. It is another triumph in billy's repertoire because it is as layered and compelling as all his previous work. A true work of art that evokes a black fairground landscape, left with floating rides at dusk.
Score: 9/10
#hhz #houhet salt #hiphop #billywoods #golliwog #newmusic
