Album Review: Denzel Curry – Zuu

Less than a year after releasing his career-defining third album Ta13oo, Florida rapper Denzel Curry is back with the surprisingly radio-friendly Zuu. At just 29 minutes long, Zuu is a compact release featuring Curry at his most focused. The dreadlocked poet drops intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics onto energetic production across 12 spellbinding tracks, resulting in another thrilling project from one of hip hop’s most underrated MCs.

Latest single Speedboat is the perfect example of Curry’s phenomenal talent. Producer Rugah Rahj has manufactured a thumping, piano-laced, 808s-heavy banger for Curry to wax lyrical on the direction of his career and the pitfalls that come with being a celebrity and having sustained success in the rap game. It’s Curry at his sentimental best.

Other highlights include the trippy Rick Ross-assisted Birdz, West Coast-influenced Shake 88, frenetic closer PAT and the heartfelt Ricky, an energetic tribute to Curry’s father and deceased brother.

In an era where rappers are as dispensable as pop stars and longevity is far from guaranteed, Zuu solidifies Denzel Curry as one of hip hop’s most consistent and creative performers with a long career ahead of him.