Is "Cottonwood" the catalyst for an impressive 2020 for NLE Choppa?
Since exploding onto the scene with his smash hit “Shotta Flow,” Memphis’ very own NLE Choppa has continued his 2019 as one of Hip-Hop’s bubbling stars. The young rapper’s ability to make a mosh pit hit has continued to shine through with the release of his September song “Camelot.” However, Choppa’s talents to make a good song doesn’t just rely on his hype, but also on his ability to make a smooth track as well. “Side,” released by Choppa in mid-December serves as a testament to his ability to make a smooth autotune hit, while also serving as a single for his first project “Cottonwood.” Standing at ten tracks and 25 minutes, NLE Choppa’s “Cottonwood” has the potential to be the first body of work that shows Choppa’s versatility and talent in the Hip-Hop genre. Blueface and Meek Mill serve as the only features on Choppa’s debut project. Will “Cottonwood” be the catalyst for an impressive 2020 for Choppa? Let’s get to the review!
Categories
The songs on this album divided into two lanes that are prevalent throughout the project and scored on a 1.5 scale. (0 = trash, .5 = not for me, 1 = good, 1.5 = a standout)
Autotune Choppa
Choppa shows what he can do with autotune on a track.
• “Untold” (1)
• “Side” (1)
• “Chances” (1)
Hype Chop
Choppa keeps establishes the hype that he became known for.
• “Step” (1)
• “Clicc Clacc” (.5)
• “Matrix”(.5)
• “N.W.A.” (1)
• “Shotta Flow” (1.5)
• “Shotta Flow (Remix)” ft. Blueface (.5)
• “Cruze” ft. Meek Mill (1)
Must Listen Songs
The concept of Must Listen songs are the songs that would give the best overview of the album as a whole. Songs that stand out for reasons to be described in the pending descriptions of the songs.
“Untold”
Produced by Magestick Records, Pyroman and CashMoneyAP, the intro track to NLE Choppa’s “Cottonwood” is an autotuned trap melody. The beat’s high hats set the pace for Choppa’s flow with the bass and occasional flute/piano combo completing the beat. Choppa’s flow is a rapid-fire type, successfully allowing little space for the beat to breathe, thus keeping the listener’s attention and carrying momentum throughout the song.
“N.W.A.”
Track six on NLE Choppa’s “Cottonwood” is produced by TnTXD, Yung Tago and Yung Lando. The bass established the tempo of the beat, pushing Choppa to successfully keep his lines in between each bass hit. The organ/piano melody under the bass and high hats add a nice zest to the beat. The delivery brilliance of NLE Choppa shines on lines like “Don’t fuck with niggas like the KKK, but I’m a panther.”
Final Review
“Cottonwood” is a culmination of NLE Choppa’s raw but refined potential. Through each of the ten songs, Choppa does a magnificent job of picking a great beat to flow on. “Cottonwood” put Choppa’s versatility on display, delivering hype songs such as “Step” while still being able to slow the vibe down on songs like “Untold” and “Chances.” Choppa also displayed his ability to simply rap on songs like “N.W.A.” and “Cruze” ft. Meek Mill. “Cottonwood” ensures that NLE Choppa will definitely be an up and coming rapper to watch in 2020.
Scoring
Raw Score: The number of good songs on a project versus the overall amount. Songs must have a 1 or above to be counted.
Quality Score: The total amount of points accumulated over the total amount of songs.
Playback value: The resonance an album is perceived to have if played again in full. Scale out of 5.
Raw Score: 7/10
Quality Score: 9/10
Playback Value: 3/5
Go out and listen to NLE Choppa’s “Cottonwood” wherever you listen to your music. Also, don’t forget to check out OldMilk’s Instagram page and Twitter (@Oldmilk_co) for more Hip-Hop Album Reviews, The DJ 500K Playlist, The OldMilk Radar and more! Don’t Know it? OldMilk Does!
