Courtney Bell is a 29-year-old MC from Detroit, Michigan who kicked off 2018 by releasing her debut full-length album 10 Commands followed by the debut mixtape Poverty stricken in the fall of 2020. However, lately, he's been under the tutelage of Royce da 5'9” and had an impressive guest appearance on Nickle's 3rd EP The Heaven Experience about 15 months ago. Now they're looking to take it to the next level, not only helping Courtney land a deal with MNRK Music Group, but even having Royce oversee the creation of his sophomore effort.
“For All We Know” opens us up with a murky instrumental talking about how Hell is already and no one can even know, while “Westside” featuring Royce da 5'9 works in some ominous piano chords so both to be able to get into their hardcore sack lyrically. The title track has a summer trap beat that sounds like he's in his element over no one can jump him, but then the heavenly “Issues” talks about lost and the life that helps him figure it all out.
Meanwhile, “Feeling You” has Courtney portraying a sensual side of himself over a smoother trap production, while “Motion” brings a Detroit trap sheen that organically bends his swagger. Royce returns to the bass-heavy “Banz” to join his protégé and call out all the bitch asses out there just before Nickel gets stuck in for the funky “Get 'Em High” alongside LaRussell, Sol ChYld and Symba , so all 5 emcees can drop straight bars for 4 minutes representing 3 of the 4 regions of American hip hop (the midwest, east coast, and west).
“Swivel” laces up some pianos, kicks and snares talking to keep your head spinning, while “Bang” featuring Benny the Butcher & Royce da 5'9″ brings the trio together for some hard banging bang bang shit every rapper on their way. “Word II Conway” dustily asks what it means to soldier on and what love is when it's lost, while “Shit” draws inspiration from trap talking about what it is ” flips a gospel sample and throws some hi-hats into the mix to ring the alarm until closer “Walk with Me” ends the album soulfully speaking about loss if life is a game.
Being a lifelong fan of Royce, I was excited about Courtney through his verse on “Ion Wanna” and my anticipation for Microdose lifted after learning that Nickel was taking him under its wing. So: His MNRK debut marks his return after 4 years, introducing himself to younger fans like me and giving people who already follow him an update on what's been going on in his life since then. He presents a completely different perspective on his music and life after taking this time, prioritizing his mental health, and this LP will surely help others move forward.
Rating: 8/10
