Before You Go Blxst Artist

{|Before You Go|}, the first solo full-length from {|Blxst|}, follows the rapper/singer's success with the gold single Chosen and the {|Def Jam|}-distributed sequel to his and {|Bino Rideaux|}'s {|Sixtape|}. The Los Angeles native tends to either pro... Read more

{|Before You Go|}, the first solo full-length from {|Blxst|}, follows the rapper/singer's success with the gold single Chosen and the {|Def Jam|}-distributed sequel to his and {|Bino Rideaux|}'s {|Sixtape|}. The Los Angeles native tends to either produce or co-produce the majority of the tracks on each of his projects. This time, he handles only co-production on just a handful of the cuts, delegating the duties to an array of collaborators who include {|ThaRealCStylez|} and {|ThaRealJFKBeatz|}, {|Mike & Keys|}, {|J Mo|}, and {|Sevn Thomas|}. The material overall is consequently a little smoother and glossier compared to {|Blxst|}'s 2020 EP {|No Love Lost|}. Violinist {|Grandmaster Vic|} adds another layer of musicality, even soloing on Pick Your Poison. These changes sound like natural developments instead of artistic compromise. {|Blxst|} elevates his writing with a little more depth, detail, and subtle wordplay, and he keeps it straightforward, never pandering, whether examining himself or working through relationship matters in a conversational manner. The meeting with {|Rick Ross|} on Couldn't Wait for It is sensibly both aspirational and soulful, while the appearances from {|Arin Ray|} and {|Zacari|} are also well-placed. Promoted as a mixtape, {|Before You Go|} is of greater significance. ~ Andy Kellman Less