Hoodlum - Brown In America (Album)

During the long and highly anticipated wait for his forthcoming album, "Brown In America," Hoodlum previewed releases on social media and on stage. However, it was only when he unveiled the title, cover art, and tracklist that the excitement peaked. With the revelation of these details, all eyes were directed toward the Stomp Down signee, eager to see what gift he had in store for his fans. Having 21 tracks on his album, Hoodlum breaks the norm where most artists shy away from having more than 15 tracks. The cover art, handled by HereComesTheArt, maintains continuity with its predecessor’s story. With production from renowned names like Big Tex Johnny, ihateyouhawtboy, Tez, RamyOnTheBeat, and more, Hoodlum has assembled a lineup of heavy hitters to bring his latest album to life. This collaboration of talented producers contributes to making this album one of his greatest releases yet. By enlisting Maxo Kream, Mike Dimes, Levicantsing, and Valdez Garcia, Hoodlum infuses his project with a diverse range of styles, enriching the overall sound and elevating the album to a top-tier release. Their contributions add depth and flavor, creating a well-executed listening experience that stands out among other top-shelf records, reaching a gratifying level of enjoyment for listeners.

In the opening track, "New Cadillac," Hoodlum sets the tone with a smooth sample, delivering his signature hoarse raps. He delves into his vices, explaining how they contribute to making him feel whole again. Despite the dangers surrounding him, he finds solace in his possessions, so he chooses to keep his weapon close by, a precaution against his precarious circumstances. Before the album's release, Hoodlum introduced tracks like “Megan,” "Exotic Pop," "Today," and "Myself," which found perfect placements on the album. These songs offer a more genuine and personalized approach from Hoodlum, showcasing his growth from all sides of his career. They provide insights into his journey and experiences, adding depth and authenticity to the album's narrative. Hoodlum's influence from Lil Wayne's mixtape series is evident in his latest album, "Brown In America," with tracks like "Pussy $ Hoe" and "Sober" showcasing Wayne's impact on the sound and style. As one of Hoodlum's favorite artists, Lil Wayne's influence significantly shapes the album's direction. Highlighted track "Play Clothes" resonates with double-cupped psychosis, complemented by intensely prominent production that echoes the influences of the screw sound. This aesthetic is further evident in other memorable tracks like "Liter" and "Fences," where the screw sound is skillfully integrated, adding depth and resonance to the overall experience of the project. Transitioning from "Korner Store" to "Brown In America," listeners can discern a significant change in tone from Hoodlum. Instead of duplicating a particular sound, he evolves his characteristics, reflecting the changes in his life. From becoming a father to achieving success and gaining admiration among the city's finest, Hoodlum's growth is evident in the shift in his music, showcasing his evolving perspective and experiences.

Following the success of his album's first week, Hoodlum has announced a pop-up event to celebrate. The event will feature his official Exotic Pop flavored soda, an official strain with an eighth bag designed with his cover art, and an official collaboration with Slumped Boyz. Hosted inside Kush Gardens at 443 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78237, the event will run from 6 pm to 11 pm. Attendees can enjoy refreshments by Exotic Pop plus free food and merch for the first 20 attendees. There is no word yet if Hoodlum will hit the road to perform the album, but who knows? That can surely change, so I be on the lookout for any announcement regarding that soon.