This is the second full-length studio LP from Sandusky, Ohio emcee/producer Nezzy. Emerging underground in 2022 from his first 2 EPs Subject to Change & Pyramidsfollowed this up last year by releasing the debut album Hippie Thug in the spring and then his 3rd EP New World Disorder in the fall. However, fresh off opening for Psychopathic Records alumni Anybody Killa & DJ Clay at the Welcome Home Party co-headline two weeks ago, Nezzy is looking to further spread the exposure by taking everyone to Hall of Infamy.
“Admit 1” is a raw bang opener that speaks for the real deal here, while the similarly produced “Teeth Markz” keeps it solid, pointing to the fact that it's time to crown the king and all who obey the emperor. “Cutter” featuring ex-Funk Volume artist Jarren Benton along with Psynik sees the trio come together over a frenetic beat to flex their lyrical skills for 3 minutes just before “Ready, Fire, Aim!” he keeps it in the basement by organically talking about shoot first and think later.
Johnny Slash cooks up one of my favorite beats on the Hall of Infamy for “Muzzle Flash” with Vincent, the owl jumping over a sample mixed with kicks and snares for 109 seconds and manipulating things their way forward, while the triumphant snare cut “Dog Eat Dog” with Jimmy da Gunna talking about demons that interfere every day and have chips on their shoulders. “Undercurrent” finds soulful perfection in the worst moments, but then “Salute” strips the drums down warning that it's just getting warmed up.
“Headless Horseman” featuring Diamond Dezjuan & Phe returns to boom bap putting the group on their backs like a Bulbasaur, while the mocking “Ayahuasca Retreat” prays his discography will leave a legacy until he's no longer here in the passion. “Bongwater” leaps over pianos, kicks and snares refusing to settle for any small offerings, while the sharp “Optionz” features Pohnny's speeches that make their scales crack and weigh their options.
The song “Freethinker” nears the end of the LP advises that he's not the one you want to bet on and plays the role of his success in another boom bap instrumental while the penultimate track “Malice in Wonderland” has a cloudier trap feeling in the on the verge of freaking out about losing his shit. “The Godfather” closes shop by telling everyone to leave his name out of the conversation if it doesn't center around the best.
Honestly, I've been familiar with Nezzy since it was first announced a few months ago that he was setting the stage for the founders of Native World Inc. & Armed Robbery Entertainment and his sound can only be summed up as a distinct blend of hard-hitting raunchy references and deeply introspective conscious rap filled with discordant rhymes and thought-provoking word choices. Hall of Infamy although as an album it's conceptually built around the idea that once you're in, there's no turning back.
Rating: 7/10
