CyHi the Prince - No Dope on Sundays Album Review

Story posted November 29, 2017 in Arts & Entertainment by Jerome Taylor.

Following a litany of mixtapes and label hold-ups, CyHi the Prince finally delivers his debut album No Dope on Sundays. For hip hop purists, it’s an amazing album from start to finish; from the soulful sample production to the vivid street tales, No Dope on Sundays was worth the wait.

CyHi the Prince first garnered attention when he shined on Kanye West’s star-studded song “So Appalled” from the 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. CyHi’s performance stood out on a song that also featured Jay-Z, Pusha T and RZA. At that time, CyHi was simply an intriguing prospect on Kanye’s imprint, G.O.O.D Music. Since, CyHi has served as one of G.O.O.D Music’s most prolific writers, but until now CyHi had never released a studio album. Earlier this year, CyHi released what many would consider a diss track titled “Elephant in the Room,” aimed at Kanye West, Pusha T and the rest of the label over the fact that his album was not released yet.

No Dope on Sundays’ opening track, “Amen,” kicks off the album strong with a Baptist preacher delivering a prayer. Following the prayer, CyHi immediately shows that he is delivering one of the most refreshing albums this year. CyHi uses a lot of metaphors, similes, double and triple entendres all over sample heavy beats on this album. This style of rap seemed like it was fading away, so it’s nice to hear CyHi step up and carry the flag for this style of rap. The second track, “No Dope on Sundays,” is highlighted by a rare emotional verse by Pusha T over a smooth piano that brings the emotion out of a rapper more known for his drug dealing lyrics.

CyHi takes on his role as an elder in the street life on the songs “Movin’ Around” and “Trick Me.” “Movin’ Around” is one of the many great examples on this album of CyHi’s expertise in flow. “Trick Me” would be highlighted by the fun, free-flowing verse 2 Chainz delivers if it weren’t for the closing CyHi verse, who proves he’s a master manipulator of pronunciation as well as showcasing a nice array of vocabulary. “Murda” is the next track on the album and this track is one of the best uses of a sample in a while. These tracks are a few of the several tracks on this album that showcase how skillful CyHi is as a rapper.

Two songs absolutely separate themselves from the rest and they are “Nu Africa” and “80’s Baby.” “Nu Africa is a song that address African Americans and calls on them to go back to Africa and rebuild it due to the treatment of African Americans in America. After the hard-hitting song, Ernestine Johnson delivers a spoken word poem. She delivers a vivid recount of African history and she paints a beautiful picture of what could be if all people of color united. She then turns the poem on its head and delivers a powerful ending detailing one of the most uncomfortable truths of the Atlantic Slave Trade. “80’s Baby” is a much more personal and emotional track than every other song on the album. From the perspective of the baby in the womb, CyHi the Prince details his mother’s pregnancy with him. He talks about her struggles with alcohol and drugs while she was pregnant with him, as well as the physical abuse of the guy she was with. This is a gut-wrenching song delivered from a unique perspective and it separates itself from the rest of the album.

“Dat Side” and “I’m Fine” will more than likely become the most commercially successful tracks off the album. “Dat Side” is a song headed by a catchy chorus and it also features Kanye West, who delivers an impressive verse. But CyHi once again refuses to be overshadowed by the name of the feature as he shines on both of his verses. “I’m Fine” is the up-tempo and uplifting closure of No Dope on Sundays and features a heavily auto-tuned Travis Scott on the hook. CyHi raps about where he is now and how he happy with his position, regardless of all the tribulations that his career has faced.

This album is a great listen with the soulful samples almost forcing your head to nod and CyHi’s skill as a rapper complements the beats perfectly. At 15 songs, the album stretches a little bit, but for the most part, the collection of work is good. This album combines witty lyricism, vivid and cautionary street tales and ear-catching production, making it one of the most refreshing hip hop albums of the year.

Rating: 8/10

 

Jerome Taylor is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jerometaylor91697@gmail.com.