“More Black Superheroes” is the follow-up to the 2019 debut album “Everything’s For Sale.”
Our rating: 4/5
When you get a surprise call with the Rap God himself to praise the album, you know you have got the album right. That’s what “More Black Superheroes” is to us!
Westside Boogie has left quite an effect on audiences in recent years. In 2019, he released “Everything’s For Sale,” which has been widely regarded as one of the finest revelations of the year. The 12-track record, his second for Eminem’s Shady Records, debuts on June 17 and features Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, Shelley (a.k.a. DRAM), Smino, Teezo Touchdown, Kalan.FrFr, and Mamii. Boogie stands tall next to his son and two other young boys on the record cover, dressed in a tank shirt and durag.
“KILLA MODE” begins the record with acoustics and some soulful vocals as Westside Boogie cautions us to not fool with him, whilst “STUCK” takes a much more piano-trap approach and shows a much more thoughtful aspect of him. “NONCHALANT” has a much more pleasant vibe to it before becoming romantic. “LOL SMH II” begins with a much more emotional tone talking about the need for energy to be engaged, but then shifts into a quirkier sound indicating he’s as cool as can be.
More Black Superheroes is a genuine and consistently real look at the redemptive power that Black males may derive through their own feelings—feelings that society has long encouraged us to conceal. He uses his great narrative skills as he works through the burden of social ties (“Stuck”), loves uncertainty (“Nonchalant” starring Mamii), and much more to pursue that message. His clear wording, supple flowing, and half-sung melodies reflect his deep inner turmoil.
Before the smooth “PRIDEFUL II,” in which he inquires about his sweetheart’s plans, Soulja Boy joins in on “CAN’T EVEN LIE,” blasting out all the snitches over little keys and hi-hats. “AIGHT” comes to the trapping section to dismiss all hatred that everyone has already been firing at him before Smino & Teezo Touchdown appear on the stage again for enticing “CAN’T GET OVER YOU,” where they talk about just how those who can’t get over their relationships.
For “Aight,” Boogie collaborates with Shelley FKA Dram and drops hood specifics that dredge up the terrible monotony of local trauma. “You know I done been through hell, huh?/I’m goin’ through it, I can’t hide it, you could tell, huh?” Boogie hammers the core about his own inner conflict on “Stuck” as he hops along with a sad beat. Boogie asserts on More Black Superheroes that sentiments are something that can be run away from.
“This album is about embracing our powers,” Boogie wrote in an Instagram post sharing the LP’s cover. “This album is for you because you survived all your trials, for the Black fathers that go out in the world and feel like they have to hide all our true feelings because it seems weak to express how you’re hurt but [know] that’s one of your biggest strengths. For the people that feel boxed by the world and have to hide [their] many sides, I love you, let’s heal together,” he explained on his Instagram.
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While “SOMETHIN’ STRANGE” feels a bit out of sorts considering that Kalan.FrFr has the greatest impact out of others, “RATCHET BOOG” is an intense entrance to one of three alter personas that Westside Boogie possesses with a good rhythmic towards to the conclusion. The album’s last track, “WINDOWS DOWN,” features Snoop Dogg and has the two discussing marijuana use over a calming BGM. The final track, “ANTHONY (WAR),” is a well-executed 2-parter in which the rapper admits he feels like he has become too affluent.
Boogie has built a career out of dissecting his emotions. He is endowed with the subconscious and the creative skills of a gifted storyteller. This one has been in the works for three long years, and I believe I like it a better than “Everything’s For Sale.” I appreciate the idea of admitting your strengths and how Westside Boogie has developed both artistically and emotionally since his last album came out.
Boogie completed his ascent by signing with Shady Records/Interscope in 2018 and by delivering the highly lauded LP “Everything’s For Sale” in 2019. Now that More Black Superheroes has arrived in the month of Black Music, he plans to continue developing, he is definitely getting more superpowers.
#MOREBLACKSUPERHEROES proud to present @WS_Boogie! Album out now on @shadyrecords – https://t.co/SHqRTt9iFM pic.twitter.com/5PKrvERlrK
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) June 17, 2022
