Mac Miller – Blue Slide Park Album Review
Love him or hate him. Diehard supporter or staunch antagonist. There is no denying with Mac Miller’s ascension to the top of the Billboard charts with an independent album, history was made. From now until Hip Hop ceases to exist, Mac’s name will be in the history books for doing something only one entity before him ever had the luxury of accomplishing. Thanks to a tireless touring regiment creating an extremely loyal fan base and even more strict regiment of recording and releasing music, Mac Miller is one of the largest names in rap music. Sounds weird? Oh well. The real question, however, is a simple one. How good is the album?
Blue Slide Park proves to be a suitable representation to the artist who helped bring it to life. Many of the records showcase an artist adjusting with fame while sticking to the carefree vibe which has gotten him to this point in the dance. “Party On Fifth Ave.” draws inspiration from the Hip Hop classic “Let Me Clear My Throat” and gives it a new look equipped with Mac’s signature hoarse, yet equally articulate rhyme scheme. In actually, that may be the thing that has drawn so many towards the youngin’ from Pittsburgh. “Under The Weather” finds Mac proudly exclaiming his place is rap is his own and he deserves everything he’s been awarded thus far. Triumphant, honest and still catchy all at the same time, it’s one of those records which make B.S.P. a fun listen for the most part and one that has college frat party written all over it’s instrumental. In the grand scheme of the listen, “Diamonds & Wood” is even Mac’s version of “Black Girl Lost” as he depicts the story of a young woman in search for all the right things in life through the wrong avenues.
Mac’s welcoming visit to the place which made him who he is today is not without its faults too though. There are speed bumps which take away from a rather enjoyable trip. “Loitering” would have been better suited to be removed from the cutting room for. The record, while not exactly horrible, does not do much to elevate the LP to the next level due to somewhat unfocused subject matter and a less than desirable hook. And for as noble as the idea was, “My Team” was the expected rapper paying homage to the people around him. You’re just left with the feeling there was more lyrically the song could have been instead of the uninspired lines that unfortunately define the track.
All in all though, Mac delivered when it counted. While not a groundbreaking album in terms of quality, it needs to be said Miller does his part in delivering an enjoyable album that will probably be the soundtrack to many collegiate parties and beer pong tournaments this winter and spring. He’s made himself a major playing in the rap scene in a little over two years and now what’s next for Mac Miller will only depend on his ability to continue to pump out music which resonates with his target audience. If this is any indication, he’s off to an admirable start.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
