Denzel Curry and Kenneth Blume's 'ii' Feels Stuck on Autopilot

Denzel Curry and Kenneth Blume (formerly Kenny Beats) reunite for "ii," the follow-up to 2020's "Unlocked." The review notes that Curry's rapping and Blume's production feel tame and predictable, reflecting a mid-career plateau. Curry's lyrics focus on financial success rather than industry recognition.

The album marks a reunion between the Miami rapper and the producer formerly known as Kenny Beats, following their 2020 EP "Unlocked." Across nine tracks, Curry, now 31 and roughly 15 years into his career, shifts his lyrical focus toward financial gain rather than critical recognition, with the review noting his diminished vocal dynamism compared to earlier work. Blume's production draws from the aesthetic of DOOM and Madlib records, though the review finds those influences reduced to minimal templates lacking whimsy. The standout track "Difference" features singer Yebba and jittery piano work, offering the project's most distinct energy.

Curry's lyrics on the project include references to his longevity and perceived lack of industry acknowledgment, alongside boasts about his financial ambitions. The review highlights his technical proficiency in moments of alliterative wordplay and rapid-fire delivery, while suggesting his storytelling has grown familiar. Blume's beats incorporate cartoonish loops, muffled drums, and vocal samples intended to interact with the music, though the review argues they feel methodical rather than inspired.