Courtney Bell is a 29-year-old MC from Detroit, Michigan who released his debut full-length album “10 Commandments” in 2018, followed by his debut mixtape “Poverty Stricken” in the fall of 2020. Previously, Royce da 5’9” impressively directed and guest-starred on Nickle’s third EP The Heaven Experience. They’re now looking to take it to the next level and not only help Courtney get MNRK Music The group’s contract even allowed Royce to oversee the creation of his sophomore effort.
“For All We Know” opens with a somber instrumental about how this is hell and no one even realizes it, while Royce da 5’9’s “Westside” features some ominous piano from “The Alchemist” chords, so both of them some of them can lyrically get into their hardcore package. The title track has a summery trap-like groove that suggests he’s in his element and no one can sleep with him, but then the heavenly “Issues” talks about being lost and life’s shit, helping him work through it all.
Meanwhile, on “Feeling You,” Courtney taps into his sensual side over smoother trap production, while “Motion” brings a flare of Detroit trap that subtly showcases his passion. Royce returns on the Jake One-produced bass-heavy “Banz,” calling out all the assholes with his protégé, before Nickel moves on to play the funky “Get ‘Em High” with LaRussell, Sol ChYld and Symba, and Hit-Boy Stand behind the scenes so all 5 presenters can hit the bar in under 4 minutes, representing 3 of the 4 regions of American Hip Hop (Midwest, East Coast and West).
“Swivel” combines some piano, kick and snare to keep your head on the edge, while “Bang” features Benny the Butcher and Royce da 5’9″, bringing the trio together for some Rough boom bap shit that kills every rapper. “Word II Conway” asked dustily, what is a soldier to a liar? What is love if it’s lost, and “Shit” once again draws inspiration from the trap to talk about what he did. “Psalms 82” flips a gospel sample and adds some hi-hats into the mix to ring the bells, until the final “Walk with Me” ends with a soulful talk about “if life is a game, give up” album.
As a lifelong fan of Royce, I was attracted to Courtney through his lyrics in “Ion Wanna”. After learning that Nickel was protecting him, my expectations for Microdose also increased. Lo and behold: his debut on MNRK marked his return after four years of introducing himself to new fans like me, and keeping those who already followed him up to date on what’s been going on in his life since. After taking time out to prioritize his mental health, he has a completely different perspective on music and his life, and this record is sure to help others moving forward.
Score: 8/10
