This is the sixth studio-length record from Kansas City, Missouri, with emcee and business executive Kurt Calhoun. He started out as a hype man for Tech N9ne and was one of the first to be signed to Strange Music along with Krizz Kaliko, eventually releasing 4 albums and 2 EPs with local indie giants before starting his own EMPIRE Distribution imprint Black Gold Entertainment , named after his classic Strange. The only 3 projects he has brought us so far by himself are his 3rd EP Kuttin’ Loose, his 5th album Persona Non Grata: Truth Be Told and his 4th EP a year and a half ago Residue. He refuses to slow down and hit us with TDIAL (The Devil Lies).
Following the “Mis-Understanding” intro, the title track featuring Stevie Stone finds Black Gold Ahdasee talking about Satan being a myth together over a symphonic trap instrumental, while “No Comparison” works over more strings and hi-hats, teasing Those who think they fly better than him. “Hot Comb” hauntingly lets listeners know it’s never too late to make a call, and after the “Understanding” interlude, “Pandemik” starring Yocelin Ali jumps over the speakers to talk about the unfolding plot.
Da Real King’s “2 Sides” provides a soulful trap vibe to the beat that wants to be free, before Trap Banks’ “I Can’t Complain” connects those guitar riffs and hi-hats, though that’s a bit doggy too Shit, Kurt doesn’t smoke weed. “The Undenied” by Bishop da Don Moshey Ben Yahudah has a bland trap tone despite its theme of “no longer being denied”, while “The World’s a Ghetto” by Ben G da Prince of Soul illustrates everything.
After the third and final interlude, “Wisdom,” we enter the final moments of TDIAL (The Devil Is a Lie), starting with Z_’s “Redrum-Eulogy,” which takes the weird trap route, becomes instrumentally murderous, and Irv da’s “All I Need” Phenom ends the album on a high note, as its soulful production matches the theme that God himself is all they need.
Residue is a solid comeback for Kutt after 4 years and as excited as I was for TDIAL (The Devil Lies) because Bloody Kutty is probably the most underrated artist in the history of Strange Music and considering he is a Day 1er, I There was some tearing when removing from the finished product. I don’t mind the concept, or even the making of it, the important thing is that it has so many features, but it’s hit or miss.
Rating: 6/10
