This is the first full solo album from Detroit emcee Mr. Cliffnote. Beginning in 2006, he released his self-titled debut mixtape, after which he formed the duo Sidenotes with his friend B-Side, and released his second album “Path to Notification” and “Note to Self” EP a few years ago , I rate the latter positively. However, prior to “Duly Noted 2”, Cliff released “Duly Noted” through The Davis Way’s label Architect Entertainment to celebrate his birthday.
The Foul Mouth-produced “New Jax” begins with a soul sample, with Cliff drawing the heart of the city rather than trying to party with now-infamous music mogul Puff Daddy aka P. Diddy or Diddy, while “Built fa Dis” Featuring a popular rap, Nick Speed welcomed everyone to his church and asked to sing a hymn in his honor. “Gonzo Outside” talks in more samples about still collecting chickens after his death, before a slow jam of “What’s It Gonna Be?” Don’t hesitate to throw away the gold mine when the time comes to discuss it.
Meanwhile, on “Win Man” we have Cliff blending elements of trap and soul, thanking the tallest man for collecting all the W’s in his career, into “Dreamin’ Season”, keeping the soulful chops and Hi-hat, it’s time to talk about putting in the effort instead of daydreaming all day. “Would Not Pay” exudes an elegant flourish and tells the story of a woman who makes him say all kinds of things he wouldn’t say himself, but then “We Don’t” starring Fat Ray and Stretch Money t Know You” the three gathered together to perform “Detroit Trap Heater” for nearly 3 minutes.
“Pose fa da Photo” jumps on this exquisite sample, pointing out that you might pop up in his woods, hence why he always carries a 0.44 Magnum, while “Fuck Shit” loves a summery boom bap flare Telling how everyone came to attack him because Talib Kweli despised him unnecessarily to get rid of his dick. “Strathmoor Kid” has one of my favorite Detroit trap beats on the LP, courtesy of DJ Jewels, warning you not to trip when pitching, and their fastball hits right on Kuniva’s “Soul Proprietor” Find this pair for you A “boom bap” instrument made by Irajid before bringing in thoughtful food.
Pushing toward the final moments of “Duly Noted,” the song “Movin’ Up” returns to the Detroit trap sound, even if Rich Starz’s auto-tune hook does absolutely nothing for me, and they don’t make them like him anymore .
Kweli joining Cliff further confirms what I said in my Liberation 2 review about Talib and one of my top ten producers, Kanye West, in that they are both established veterans with insane artistic talent but in public Boast. Due Attention is now Cliff’s best work. Production from Foul Mouth, Nick Speed, DJ Jewels and Ilajide offers a unique mix of old and new sounds within the Detroit scene, while Cliff ups his A-game lyrically.
Score: 8/10
