Cyhi the Prynce has been considered the underrated southern lyricist from GOOD Music. It’s been a while since his buzzworthy verse on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’s “So Appalled.” Now the rapper returns with the Kanye produced Black Hystori Project solidifying his spot as one of the top pure spitters in the game.
On the heels of Black History Month, Cyhi gives us some dope joints inspired by legendary Black figures (“Huey”, “Mandela”, “Basquiat” etc..) He layers his verses on this mixtape with dope lyricism and powerful messages. He paints vivid pictures of real life events and his great use of the multisyllabic rhyme pattern really allows listeners to flow along with his verses. Great use of wordplay and punchlines have always been a strong point for CyHi and he more than delivers on this mixtape. Rhymes like “I write my Graffiti in Swahili” are what really allow CyHi to stand out from his peers.
The standout track “Mandela” showcases CyHi at the top of his game lyrically and combines it with powerful production as Cyhi pays homage to Nelson Mandela on the hook. This mixtape shows that he has an empowering message to get across, and he does his best by incorporating that message into these songs. Another favorite is the song, “Basquiat,” which has a nice piano laced, jazzy beat, and CyHi lyrically paints a masterpiece. His references to geniuses of all forms of Art really make the song stand out. It’s a creative track, paying homage to another legendary black figure. CyHi is not just a lyrical genius, he also knows how to make dope songs. Songs like “February 29,” “Black Pride” and “Good Night” are nice smooth, celebratory party songs, and CyHi sounds right at home. On the song “Cydel Young,” CyHi gives us a snapshot of his life and delivers as a standout track.
The production on Black Hystori is excellent — powerful, soulful, smooth, and nicely layered production. One of the best samples includes Outkast’s “SpottieOttieDopaLiscious” on the song “Good Night.” CyHi has a great ear for beats, and also can hold his own by nicely complimenting the production and not letting it overshadow his lyrics.
Overall, this is CyHi’s best project to date, and shows that he is finally ready for that debut album push. He’s a dope Atlanta lyricist that has a message, a great ear for beats, and the ability to make good songs. As a whole Black Hystori Project delivers a cohesive project that efficiently reaches it’s goals and has heavy replay value.
AHH RATINGS
Lyricism – 10/10
Production – 8.5/10
Album Cohesiveness –8/10
Replay value –9/10Overall –9/10
Standout tracks: “Mandela”, “Basquiat”, “Napoleon”, “Cydel Young”