This is the 13th studio record from Long Island, New York, with frontman/producer Roc Marciano. Starting in the late 1990s as a member of Flipmode Squad before going solo in 2008, he released some classic albums that paved the way for the likes of Griselda like Marcberg and Reloaded. After Mt. Marci, he began to focus on producing projects for other artists such as Flee Lord and Bronze Nazareth, and of course, he returned to the team of The Alchemist to work on “Like a Man’s Bone” and “The Skeleton Key”, both of which were given perfect marks by me a few years apart, as was “The Coldest Profession” produced by DJ Premier. Five months later, he continued to use “656” as the intro to “Criminal Jazz”.
“Trick Bag” opens with funk and jazz samples, commanding you to never cheat no matter how thick your pockets get, while “Childish Things” hooks up with some exposed synths that talk about achieving the finer things in life. “Hate Is Love” takes a more affectionate approach, suggesting those who judge should clean up their own yards before “Yves Saint-Moren” talks about how his greatness didn’t happen by accident.
For “Prince & Apollonia,” we have Marc continuing the drum-less vibe, recalling a man waiting for his girlfriend with a whip, blaring Prince’s song “If I Was Your Girlfriend” before the soulful “Vanity” continues to depict the mafia lifestyle Roc is known for. “Rain Dance,” starring Errol Holden, teams up with some vibraphone to talk about turning base metals into gold, while “Tracey Morgan Vomit” explains that you don’t have to be a hairdresser to part a wig.
The Errol Holden-featuring “Trapeze” kicks off the 656’s finale with a slutty beat about the two of them forever on the move, while the chipmunk-soul-flavored “Good for You” brags about his ability to steal your aunt and make her his baby mama because he’s always been so smooth. “Easy Bake Oven” continues to sample soul music, talk about being a modern-day Frank Sinatra, and by the end, “Melo” brags about being as many bad guys as retired NBA forward Carmelo Anthony.
Not only are we rumored to be getting Criminal Jazz later in 2026, but Roc Marciano himself has confirmed that he plans to release another full-length album this year called Mt. Magneto, and it could be a full-length album produced entirely by Animoss. For him, a new year begins, 656. While Errol’s guest appearance is passable, Mark’s drumless jazz production matches it, and the mafia/gangster theme in the half-hour is strong enough to make me want to keep playing.
Rating: 9/10
