This is the second full-length LP from Los Angeles rapper Big Hit. The father of “Killer Boy” was found guilty of hit-and-run causing grievous bodily harm almost ten years ago and was unlawfully sentenced to 12 years and 4 months in prison, including 5 years in relation to count 1 GBI Enhanced Sentence Last February, his petition for habeas corpus was approved and he became a free man on his son’s 36th birthday. Hit teamed up with his father to create “Surf or Drown 2” for Father’s Day weekend, and released his first album “The Truth is in My Eyes” 6 months later. Black and White raised my expectations after learning that Killer Boy produced half of it and, most importantly, The Alchemist the other.
“Drug Tzar” is a somber opener to the album that talks about being a drug star rather than a rap star, while “Only Weight I Feel” is a reminder with more kicks and snares that he’s paying homage to those Cats sell news to people & give them the rules. “The Godfather, Pt. 2” with Boldy James is a piano-meets-boom-bap hybrid that calls out crossover artists before “Heartless” runs out of drums, showing he’s ready for everyone .
From here, “Foreclosure” takes the outrageous route of warning you to better count your fingers when shaking hands, while “Temperature Check” has a bit of an atmospheric flare and talks about getting ready for war. The title track, which features The Alchemist and Hit-Boy, finds the trio keeping everything in black and white until “Champion,” which takes on a warmer vibe and talks about being a winner.
“Count Your Blessings,” featuring Figg Rarri, Killa Twan and LongBodyy, brings more tonality to the quartet as they discuss recording their blessings, while “Sly, Slick” featuring Hit-Boy’s son and Big Hit’s grandson C3 & Wicked” spoke lovingly about not liking these niggas. “Dirtball” comes toward the end, eerily explaining that no one else can keep up with him, while “Gank Move,” featuring Hit-Boy’s sister and Big Hit’s daughter HitgirlLena, somberly samples the Detroit duo’s “Murderer,” Ended with a detailed introduction to the gangster’s LP lifestyle.
The Big Hit name has been steadily returning to the spotlight since returning from the pen, but “Blacks & Whites”, as I expected, takes itself to a whole new level and replaces “The Truth is” in My Eyes”, becoming his best album to date. “Hit-Boy” and “Uncle Al” are yin and yang productions, stylistically distinct, with more of Big Hit’s gangster lyricism than last winter’s debut album.
Rating: 9/10
