Review: "Greatest Hits" Album by Jalen McMillan
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Los Angeles based rapper Jalen McMillan’s flawless flow ties together the whole of his newly released album, “Greatest Hits”. Stylistically, while the whole of the collection is heavily versed in hip-hop, he explores elements of trap, EDM, RnB, and more within the singular mix. Nimble beats have a physicality to them with the bass working in a physical sense, and hooks run through with a darkened tinge to them.
By far the highlight comes from Jalen’s cryptic storytelling. Lyrically the tracks explore relationships with a unique swagger for they roll through at their own pace. Refusing to speed things up, Jalen takes his time in letting the atmosphere take hold.
Jalen’s delivery and attention to detail merges elements of old school hip-hop alongside the new school of silky-smooth production. While drawing from artists like early Kanye West and Drake’s best material, he remains unique in his remarkably polished sound. The tracks bump like SND’s crisp work for the way the grooves simply roll through feels magnificent. Going and taking a few risks, Jalen even embraces the four to the floor beat, with an ambient piece thrown in just to show off his lyrical rhythm. Layer upon layer of sound filters into the mix making sure that it has a fully immersive quality.
“Air Max 95” sets the tone with a commanding presence. Hand claps work perfectly with the amorphous drone of “Azz Back”. Things slow down considerably on the late-night lust of “Call My Name”. The sprawling ambition of “Until the End” embraces the dance floor for the pumping beat has a joyous, giddy presence. Going for something a bit more skeletal, “Kinda Like Nike” delves into some gorgeous rhythms, with the bass weaving through in such style. “All Over You” serves as the highlight of the collection, for the song possesses a chaotic energy to it, virtually glowing. Tapping into early electro hip-hop is the stripped-down “Cash Talk”. Beats are almost abandoned completely on the spacious “Lust”, and nicely tying up the collection is the nostalgia of “Moments in Love”.
On his “Greatest Hits” album, Jalen McMillan shows off his impressive swagger and confidence, proving to be a master of his craft.