New Jersey rapper Ransom just released his album, No Rest For The Wicked. The rap veteran had a great 2021 and is looking to repeat in 2022. In the midst of dropping amongst Future, Pusha T, and Jack Harlow, Ransom is in his own lane.
The album opens up with the infamous Nicki Minaj rant on “The Hawk”. Back in 2011, the paparazzi asked her what she thought about Ransom saying he wrote for her. Nicki went off claiming that she never had a ghostwriter and even went on to say Ransom was wack. Shortly after Nicki’s rant, Ransom puts another skit on there. It is unclear who is speaking but he goes on about how a spark can ignite a fire and his job is to keep feeding that fire essentially igniting ablaze. Ransom sets the tone in the first 15 seconds of the album. I’m guessing Nicki’s rant is the spark that started the fire in Ransom and now he has intentions to set the industry ablaze with this album.
Ransom is indeed the punchline king as he gives us punchline after punchline. In this intro, Ransom displays his lyrical ability with no chorus. You can tell he enjoys the sport of boxing as he mentions pretty much everything about the sport. From Muhammed Ali, 3-minute rounds, and mouthpieces, to cornermen, severe punches, and flurries, Ransom compares his journey to boxing.
The Punchline King
The punchline king is at it again as he continues to display his adoration for sports mentioning Ron Artest AKA Metta World Peace in the first bar of “Rituals”. Ransom mentions that he is Top 5 according to the greats in hip hop. Surely, artists respect Ransom’s pen as he has been in the game for a while now. On the hip hop show, Brackets, Benny the Butcher and B.Dot were discussing the most lyrical emcees of 2021 and Benny the Butcher chose Ransom. Ransom was very busy in 2021, releasing 4 projects and a couple of singles. One of his most notable lines of the year:
“The type of a nigga that if we was hanging out and it’s late and you left for home
I hit you back to make sure if you safe.”
These are not only the traits of a good friend, but a good man. 38 Spesh delivers on his feature as both East coast artists display their lyricism.
According to Spotify, “Circumstances,” has the most streams in Ransom’s discography. And according to Ransom, he believes this a contender for song of the year. Ransom mentions talking to God again, but this time not for repentance. Earlier in the album, he discusses looking up to God showcasing his strong belief in faith. His apparent familiarity for the judicial system reoccurs in each of his songs so far. Remember, prosecutors will call co-defendants on you, not every friend is loyal!
The Game sounds great on this beat as he tells us about the circumstances he has gone through and what he is going through. Nicholas Craven produced this beat using the amazing sample to allow Ransom and The Game to simply talk to the listener, making an easy-listening rap song.
Sounds of a Veteran
Ransom has put in a lot of work over the years as he describes throughout “Overnight Success”. Ultimately saying that success does not really happen overnight.
“…buying things you need to impress people you don’t like”
“Niggas want your honest opinion until you give them one”
Craven does it again with the beat as he takes another sample and flips it. Ransom liked the beat so much he had to take a break to question it. This song also has no chorus just like the intro and Ransom’s punchline ability proves that he is second to none.
Ransom provides a little motivation for listeners on “Makin It” as he encourages us all to achieve something in life. He’s saying if he can do it coming from the projects, you can too! And if you’re ever asking God why, Ransom lets us know that some of us must endure a hard path to achieve success. He shines a light on the benefits of the rapper lifestyle such as driving around in something that looks like a spaceship or sporting a $50k bracelet. Ransom sure does have some gems on this album! Remember life’s real, stay on your grind, try to create your wealth and try to stay with amazing health.
He continues his run of punchlines on “Redemption” but has an important message on “Captions”. Ransom has a message for all the social media users that live behind the phone or keyboard. He takes jabs at social media users and their platforms. Many people live online but are not thriving in reality. Ransom points this out as our society is dependent on their appearance on social media rather than focusing on real life. Tyrant had a lot to say as well delivering a quality verse to close out the song.
Album of the Year?
Craven has mastered his production on this album as he uses another sample for “Imperial Glaciers”. Ransom seems to enjoy the creations they’ve come up with so far throughout the album. Ransom and Willie The Kid sound great over Craven’s sound.
Throughout the album Ransom mentions gambling and that life is a gamble. So, it’s only right for him to make “The Gambler”. Before the song starts, he says he use to gamble with his life every day. Ransom has proved that he excels on these no chorus type of songs. It is clear that he is best when he is just going off.
Ransom closes the album out with “Beautiful Gravesites.” Although, he doesn’t say it (unlike in the previous songs), the beat is smooth much like other Craven-produced tracks and is a great way to close the album out. He delivers a strong verse along with J.Arrr and Black Chakra. He wraps up the album by giving us more sound advice with his closing line, “remember those who judge should never matter to you and those who matter would never judge”.
All in all, “No Rest For The Wicked” is a good album from Ransom. You will enjoy the punchlines, the authenticity, and the great production while listening. I rate this album an 8 out of 10, B! Ransom continues his run from last year blessing our ears with real hip hop. Big shoutout to Ransom and his team for a job well done!
Brandon Simmons
