I remember years ago Roger Ebert reviewed one of the Jackass movies, I can’t remember which one, and he actually enjoyed it (granted things did get a bit controversial later on, but for other reasons). His explanation was that he accepted it for what it was worth, and critiqued it upon its own merit. And in regards to what you’re saying about Wiz not being Nas or Talib you’re spot on in saying that we shouldn’t expect that type of lyricism. But I’ll have to respectfully disagree…to a certain extent.

The first time I heard Wiz was in 2006 on Nicolay’s album Here. He was great and there are moments on this album where I hear that same thought-provoking lyricist, like on Medicated for example. Granted, Wiz is in full-on, pop-rap mode, so I can’t expect much, but when I think of an MC say like Kendrick Lamar, it shows me that’s it’s possible to be pop, underground, mainstream, indie, all that, and still not become a caricature of yourself. I suppose it’s just one man’s opinion.

I encourage you to keep commenting Soelz. It’s always a pleasure to dialogue with someone who has a passion for music.

I haven’t heard the album yet, but I’ve listened to Wiz’ past mixtapes and LP’s quite a bit. I think the opening line of “Rolling Papers” says it best: “and they say all I rap about is bitches and champagne, you would too if every night you see the same thing…”

It seems silly to dissect pop music to this degree, but I think as an artist, Wiz would be the first to point out that he doesn’t step far beyond lyrical themes of getting rich, getting high and getting laid. We’re not talking about Nas or Talib Kweli, here. Thanks again for the reply!

There are opportunities on this album for him to step outside the box, but he chooses not to. In fact he seems resided to it. It’s a bit passive aggressive what he’s doing, relying on the momentum of Rolling Papers to take him to the next level. And he has the ability to do better.

Listening to music is what I do, and what I heard here, blunts or not, is a muggy interpretation of something he’s already done before. I’m curious as to what you think of the album as a whole Soelz?