Catch up on some Denzel Curry’s essential anthems.
Denzel Curryhas ficially released “Ricky” upon us, a reminder his presence in the game. And while TA13OO proved the scope his artistic versatility, many his core followers have come to rely on his signature bangers. From the early days Nostalgic 64, to the viral fame “Ultimate,” to the sparing yet damn-near apocalyptic chapters TA13OO’s layered odyssey, Denzel has amassed himself quite the collection. In honor “Ricky,” and by proxy, the project it shall likely signal, we’ve assembled a list some quintessential Denzel bangers, delivered with one the game’s most deadly combinations: an old-head’s penchant for lyricism and unmitigated youthful exuberance.
PARENTS
Perhaps not a banger in the traditional sense, Denzel Curry’s Nostalgic 64 highlight “Parents” is more understated in its approach. Up-tempo, percussive, and eerie, Denzel rides the instrumental with an effortless nursery rhyme flow, he somehow transforms a cautionary tale into a simmering, head-knocking anthem.
THREATZ Ft. Yung Simmie & Robb Bank$
Raider Klan may not be the set currently, but it once was, and what a glorious reign they had. With “Threatz” emerging as the pivotal theme music, Denzel fered up a counter to those daring to threaten his good name: a retaliatory threat his own. Back by a pre-fame instrumental from Ronny J, the distorted synthesizers and aggressive lyrics laid the foundation for Denzel’s “Ultimate,” and stands as one the most defining songs his young career.
N64
Only Denzel Curry can combine geek-heavy lyrics, a horrorcore piano line, and domineering percussion so effectively. Where “Threatz” was overt in its aggression, “N64” finds Denzel steering the course through his tense vocal performance, keeping a raw and borderline explosive energy throughout. Many likely came to appreciate this one as a “gateway” into Denzel’s music, and it remains an effective reminder a darker, Eminem-esque, stylistic direction long-dormant.
ENVY ME
Another dark banger, this one stemming from Zeltron’s 32 Zel project. Once again taking to a Ronny J instrumental, Denzel navigates gothic pianos and fifties science-fiction loops with technical priciency; once again, he showcases a unique ability to craft lyrically dense bangers, forsaking the plague “corniness” through sheer charisma and a clever ear for beats.
ULTIMATE
No explanation required.
GOOK
Problematic title aside, “Gook” rang in Imperial on a blistering note. By this point, Denzel had already begun transitioning into a more wide-ranging artist, so to hear a banger evocative his early days successfully triggered bouts nostalgia (64) in his fans. The fact that Denzel went on to give this the visual treatment speaks to its immediacy, and many hold “Gook” in high regards as an Imperial standout.
SICK & TIRED
Directly following “Gook” in a one-two combo, “Sick & Tired” is the finishing blow to an already potent haymaker. Denzel’s brilliant vocal performance goes a long way in adding a raw sense spirit to this one, as he plays f Ronny J and FnZ’s melancholic instrumental. Backed by a baseline breakneck percussion, Denzel allows this one to flourish without pushing his own microphone past the point distortion.
EQUALIZER ft RONNY J
A short and sweet addition to the canon, “Equalizer” shines in the palpable tension it creates. Vocally, Denzel growls his way through a bouncy instrumental, before Ronny J holds it down with a melodic closing verse. Given the collaborative history both men have shared since their formative days, “Equalizer” marks a pivotal moment in Floridian hip-hop lore, in which two longtime sparring partners trade bars as friends and equals.
SUMO
The closing chapter TA13OO’s opening act served a dual purpose. A) transition into the album’s darker thematic core, and B) a reminder that Denzel hasn’t lost a step where crafting raucous live anthems are concerned. With a brilliantly simple simile at its epicenter, “SUMO” carries the tradition “N64,” once again pairing on geek-friendly lyricism with genuinely intimidating energy.
PERCS
In the climactic stages TA13OO, Denzel takes a moment to fer up a few moments honesty amid “PERCS,” one the project’s most vicious singles. Where some have faltered in their delivery an anti-drug message, Denzel never comes f as condescending or preachy, bolstering his position through sheer technical prowess. With a dedication to his brother Tree grounding the track in reality, “PERCS” is a rare breed banger that resonates on an emotional level, while still managing to have a spot fun.