Troy Ave
Major Without a Deal
Release Date: Jun 9, 2015
Genre(s): Rap, Gangsta Rap, East Coast Rap, Pop-Rap
Record label: Empire
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Album Review: Major Without a Deal by Troy Ave
Satisfactory, Based on 4 Critics
Based on rating 7/10
A G-Unit or Diplomats-styled LP, Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave offers a loose debut with Major Without a Deal, an album that effortlessly jumps between the hardcore and the hilarious. Key track "Doo Doo" is certainly the latter, while G-Unit mainman 50 Cent is actually here for the brutal "Bang Bang" ("I'm gettin' money, you should do the same"). Another spiritual Godfather, Diplomats leader Cam'ron, lands on the opening "Quarter Million," while Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, and A$AP Ferg add to the star-filled guest list.
Based on rating 2.5/5
You might know Troy Ave as the New York rapper who’s made it his personal mission to “restore the feeling” of classic Big Apple hip-hop. Or the one hawking Aftermath-lite street rap 10 years ago. Or the one spooning out serviceable post-ATL coke rap three years ago. Or the one ridiculing “weirdo rappers” on social media last year.
Based on rating 2.5/5
Few concepts are more bandied and belabored than the uphill battle to restore New York’s place as the arbiter of Hip Hop quality. The challenges of breaking out and standing apart from the internet’s talent abyss isn’t enough, the five borough’s rising stars are also met with the pressure to fill the shoes of legends. There has been no one set approach or sound with each modern contender occupying their own lane: A$AP Mob pays homage to their Southern and Midwestern forefathers, Action Bronson is a big ball of unexpected eclectic fun, and Joey Bada$$ is the voice of the youth.
Opinion: Excellent
In the past five years, New York rap has quietly crept its way back to prominent status in hip-hop. The new crop of young and talented MC’s from the Empire State has given the scene a breath of fresh air and a sound that resonates with the youth. One of those rappers bringing the spotlight back to New York has been Brooklyn native Troy Ave. With co-signs from some of the biggest names in the industry and his hit “All About The Money” getting heavy radio play nationwide, Troy reps the city once again on his new LP Major Without A Deal.
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