North Texas Daily

Denzel Curry released his fourth studio album, “ZUU” on May 31. Not even a year after releasing the critically acclaimed “Ta13oo,” Curry uses this album to address the ongoing problems in Miami’s culture.

The south Florida rapper is from the same school that brought up Kodak Black, Ski Mask the Slump God and the late XXXTentacion. He’s been the most consistent in portraying the area in his music, even doing so in “Ta13oo.” In it, he rapped about police brutality, molestation, the elections and included tales of his own near-death experiences. He continues to talk about these issues, just adding more musicality to his message, and it works in his favor.

In “ZUU,” he raps about a city that has its problems, but he’s committed to fixing them because it’s his home. Throughout the album, he continuously refers to his hometown of Carol City, specifically. Most of the interludes boast of Miami in them as well.

The first three tracks feature Curry harmonizing and singing — something his fans have come to expect and enjoy from the gifted lyricist. The first song “ZUU” is a perfect introduction to the album and to Curry himself, as it tells you where he comes from. Stylized as “ZUU” and pronounced Zoo, it takes you on a rollercoaster with its circus-like instrumental, smooth chorus and ruckus verses.

“RICKY” is one of the Miami-based trap songs on the album (although another track later does it better). Curry tells a story of how his parents told him to navigate the tough streets of Florida. It’s a bouncy track that’s arrived just in time for summer.

“BIRDZ” serves as the alarm of the album, letting the listener know that the sound is about to change. You’ve heard about it, but he’s transported you there. With the help of fellow Florida native Rick Ross, Curry lets you know that you’re in Miami now.

Tay Keith produced track “Automatic” is Curry letting anyone who doesn’t believe in him know that he’s Florida royalty now, and the path there wasn’t easy. The track “CAROLMART” shares this similar sentiment as Curry spits fast rhymes letting the listener know why he is so fresh.

“Speedboat” is a classic Curry song for anyone listening to him for the first time. A very in-your-face chorus with incredible wordplay, a chorus with fast and almost indiscernible lyrics and a beat that could blow out your eardrums.

“SHAKE” is Curry reaching the pinnacle of Miami style. He raps over an instrumental that sounds like a classic Miami trap beat. It’s a light spot on the album and one of Curry’s most upbeat. It’s a perfect club banger.

The song “P. A. T.” is the experimental sound that makes Curry the underground darling he continues to be to this day. Featuring a very angry feature from PlayThatBoiZay, it’s an evolved version of arguably Curry’s most popular song, “Ultimate.” It’s the ultimate song to blow out your speakers to and a perfect way to leave the listener wanting more.

Featured Image: Courtesy Denzel Curry