Cheat Codes

Original Score: 8/10
Original Review: I hope we get more from this duo. Nice sample, great features, and Black Thought and Danger Mouse at their best.

Cheat Codes has been getting better and better as time goes by. While it is just a simple hip-hop album that has no concept, I think that's a good thing. With no distractions or some story, it leaves for the amazing production by Danger Mouse and top-tier lyricism by Black Thought to shine, and damn do they shine. I absolutely love the throwback production, with heavy use of sampling and crisp drums. It just feels nice to listen to. Sometimes is an amazing track that captures all of these qualities in a short period of time. The sample is so good, and Black Thought drops some food for thought and cold bars. Belize with MF DOOM is fucking fantastic. Black Thought does great on the track, but it's MF DOOM who takes the cake for me. His flows and lyrics are incredible, and it's sad to see him not with us anymore. Stangers is another incredible track, and everyone does fantastic. Black Thought unsurprisingly does his thing. A$AP surprisingly does great on the track, which is surprising if you know what he usually raps over. Obviously, Killer Mike and El-P kill the track with their killer lyrics and flows. I also love the weirder production on this track. It reminds me of something that could've been on Madvillainy. Overall, Cheat Codes is an amazing album that amazingly captures the essence of hip-hop in just a few minutes. Absolutely incredible stuff from Danger Mouse and Black Thought.