This is the second full-length LP from Los Angeles rapper Big Hit. Hit-Boy's father, was found guilty and convicted of a hit and run resulting in serious bodily injury nearly a decade ago and wrongfully sentenced to 12 years and 4 months in prison, including a 5-year GBI enhancement related to Count 1 Last February, his petition for habeas corpus was granted and he was released on his son's 36th birthday. Hit would make his father join forces by doing Surf or Drown 2 a collaborative effort timed around Father's Day weekend and released a self-titled debut album The Truth is in My Eyes just 6 months later. Black & White here they raised my expectations after learning that Hit-Boy produced half and more importantly Alchemist produced the other.
“Drug Tzar” is that dark boom bap opener on the album that's about a drug star as opposed to a rap star while “Only Weight I Feel” works in more kicks and snares reminding that he's the one who sold these cats the news and gave them the rules. “Godfather, Pt. 2” featuring Boldy James is this bam-boom piano hybrid with both calling out the crossover artists here just before “Heartless” goes drumless revealing he’s ready for you.
Moving on from there, “Foreclosure” follows the ominous route, organically warning that you'd better count your fingers when shaking his hand, while “Temperature Check” has an atmospheric burst of war-ready rhythm. The title track featuring The Alchemist & Hit-Boy themselves finds the trio lavishly keeping everything black and white before “Champion” comes out with a warmer vibe that speaks of a winner.
“Count Your Blessings” featuring Figg Rarri, Killa Twan and LongBodyy brings the quartet with more keys as they discuss keeping track of one's blessings while “Sly, Slick & Wicked” featuring Hit-Boy's son and Big Hit's grandson , C3, speaks soulfully about loathing. n****s. “Dirtball” comes to a close, eerily explaining that everyone else can't keep up with him, while “Gank Move” featuring Hit-Boy's sister and Big Hit's daughter HitgirlLena vaguely samples “Murderer” from the Detroit duo of the same name to finish the LP with gangsta details. LIFESTYLE.
Big Hit has been steadily taking his name since returning home from the pen, but Black & White as I expected he takes himself to a whole new level and dethrones The Truth is in My Eyes as the best album of his discography so far. Hit-Boy & Uncle Al's production is like yin and yang with their own distinct styles, complementing Big Hit's gangsta lyricism stronger than the debut we had last winter.
Rating: 9/10