On his debut album, the New York producer and rapper Cash Cobain attempts to capitalize upon his recent success and put himself at the forefront of the hottest trends in rap right now. Over the course of the past year, he has had an incredible come up. Producing and collaborating with hip-hop stars such as Drake, J Cole, Ice Spice, and Don Toliver, Cobain has made himself a household name.
Having created one of the most exciting new musical movements in recent memory, the new “Slizzy” subgenre of hip-hop has been inescapable all summer. Originating from the Bronx borough of New York, Slizzy is a sleek and sexy version of Drill music combined with elements of the Jersey Club house subgenre. Easily recognizable through its signature use of looped R&B samples, the movement blew up with the Cobain’s Bay Swag collaboration “Fisherrr” finding popularity through Tik Tok.
However, Play Cash Cobain doesn’t meet this soaring level of excitement. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the album is its failure to evolve the Slizzy sound and showcase Cobain’s personality. The record has a strong start with the opening track “slizzyhunchodon” being a highlight of this album, allowing Cash Cobain, Quavo, and Don Toliver to seamlessly blend with great chemistry.
The next few tracks are all solid as well, adding a more atmospheric and melancholic feel to Cobain’s signature sound. Unfortunately, the album begins to fall apart after the track “problem.” The six minute posse cut over a dull sample chop of Laila’s “Not My Problem” is lifeless with subpar verses. On following tracks “turks (i apologize)” and “wassup wya,” Cobain delivers two boring and mediocre Drake imitations.
The back half of this project might be bogged down by lowlights, but there are still a few diamonds in the rough towards the end of the track list. “dunk” is a freaky club banger that has the energy lacking over much of the album. “me n payroll” has the best bear on the entire project, and on the closing track “baddest in the room,” Cobain sounds silky on a nice R&B inspired instrumental.
I know you’ve seen me repeat this talking point in past reviews, but the album is simply too long and bloated. Even though Cash Cobain has a horny, yet endearing since of humor, it cannot make up for his lack of vocal range and flat subject matter. He would be much better off following the blueprint of fellow New York native Ice Spice and stick to releasing projects in the range of 10 to 12 tracks. This would simply allow Cobain to shine more without tiring the audience with his signature but underdeveloped sound. If you trim the fat, there is definitely a stellar nine track EP within this album.
Even though there is no telling whether or not the Slizzy movement will remain relevant in the future, it has been so much fun to witness a fresh movement in hip-hop. As someone living through the recent sonic and creative stagnation of mainstream rap music for the past five years, Gen Z deserves more artists like Cobain to step up and serve as the Timbaland’s and Pharell’s of our generation. Despite this album being largely disappointing, I am nonetheless grateful for Cash Cobain’s contributions to the culture. Consider me Slizzy until the bitter end.
Official Maurice Crawford Score: 5.6/10
