Pusha T sounds like he went to a school that taught him how to rhyme — and he obtained a doctorate. He has been in the game for 20 years and continues to sharpen his lyrical sword. After the critical success of his Grammy-nominated magnum opus, Daytona (2018), the expectations for his next project were sky high.
The buzz for a new project began after a snippet of what became “Hear Me Clearly” played during Nigo’s Kenzo fashion show during Fashion Week in Paris. The line, “left my elbow in the pot, á la Vince Carter” was an early indication that Pusha was in rare form. The snippet was followed by a listening party playing his first single, “Diet Coke.” Both were key ingredients for his upcoming project, It’s Almost Dry.
The latest project from the former Clipse Member is entirely produced by two longtime collaborators — Kanye West, who exclusively produced Daytona and Pharrell — both of whom he refers to as “the two greatest producers of all-time.” They both have unique chemistry with Pusha and bring out different sides of him. Kanye brings out the grittiness in Push, as seen on past tracks like “Numbers on the Board” and “Nosetalgia.” Pharrell challenges his boundaries as an artist and gives him a greater diversity of sounds.
The project opens with “Brambleton,” which is an emotional track that details the betrayal of his former friend and manager of the Clipse, Anthony “Geezy” Gonzalez, drawing lyrical comparisons to Fredo’s betrayal to Michael in The Godfather Part II. Gonzalez did an interview on Vlad TV that featured his old friend saying “95% of the Clipse lyrics were based on his life,” among other hurtful things about Pusha. However, Pusha T immediately turns the energy up with the next track, “Let the Smokers Shine the Coupes.” Its lyrics are filled with bars about luxury suits, cars, watches, and more.
“Dreamin Of The Past” features production and a verse from Kanye. According to Pusha, the Donny Hathaway-sampled beat was meant to be on Donda until he pleaded with Ye to let him have it. Giving the beat to Pusha was a wise decision as it created one of the strongest efforts on the project. Pusha’s signature wit is on display, delivering the face-scrunching bar,
“It’s levels, it’s layers, so pray for the players.
Clip ’em, baby, if he flinch at the price of Bottega.”
Another standout effort on It’s Almost Dry is “Neck & Wrist,” which features Pharrell and Jay-Z. Pusha always steps up to the occasion when linking up with Jay, which was most recently seen on “Drug Dealers Anonymous.” In an interview with Charlamagne, Pusha mentioned that he “reaches out to Jay when there is absolutely nothing else great, he can say on a record.” Both use high pitch voices that work surprisingly well and are accompanied by a hook from Pharrell.
“Just So You Remember” features a powerful, intense delivery from Pusha that solidifies his spot in the game as a lyricist and makes no reservations about the tales of drug-dealing in his music. “Diet Coke” is the staple of the album, which features a piercing piano and fantastic lyrics.
Kid Cudi joins forces with Push on “Rock N Roll” with his signature melodies to compliment Pusha’s braggadocious raps. “Hear Me Clearly” and “Open Air” both showcase Pusha T at the height of his lyrical powers.
Perhaps the biggest moment of the project is the return of Pusha’s brother and fellow Clipse member, Malice, on “I Pray for You.” Despite Pusha’s great verse, Malice steals the show with a verse reminiscent of the Lord Willin era. The reunion is a victory that the Hip-Hop community deserved.
COUNTDOWN STARTS NOW…🙃 pic.twitter.com/VrlDmmDbk6
— King Push (@PUSHA_T) April 18, 2022
The lowest point of the album is “Scrape it Off” featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Don Toliver. While Pusha still has a good verse, the features just seem out of place on the album and disrupt the listening experience.
Lyrically, It’s Almost Dry may be the sharpest Pusha has sounded since the Clipse’ classic album, Hell Hath No Fury (2006), which was also produced by Pharrell. Everything that makes Pusha a great MC is amplified by the stellar production at the hands of Pharrell and Kanye. The high fashion and luxurious lifestyle that Pusha has become a part of is like a movie that we are all invited to watch and listen to. While critics may challenge his decision to continue rhymes about drug-dealing, it is remarkable how this album sounds totally fresh, almost like a reinvented sound.
It’s Almost Dry is the perfect way to follow up Daytona and is certainly a jewel in Pusha’s snow-decorated crown and an early contender for album of the year.
STAND OUT TRACKS: “Dreaming Of The Past” (feat. Kanye West), “Diet Coke”, “Hear Me Clearly” (feat. Nigo), “I Pray For You (feat. Labrinth and MALICE)
Listen to It’s Almost Dry right here and be sure to follow Pusha T on Instagram and Twitter for more on what he has coming next.