09 Aug Royce da 5'9" – Success Is Certain | Album Review
If the happy ending to the much chronicled story of Royce da 5'9" was his reunion with Eminem, the emcee now moves into the sequel stage of this novel. From ghostwriting for Dr. Dre, to prison, to his alliance with Slaughterhouse, the faith in Detroit’s recognised son hasn’t been deserted by his long-time admirers and this year has shown why. Whilst the emphatic performances on his Bad Meets Evil EP with Slim Shady have catapulted 5'9" back into the radar of critics and fans who seek material away from the underground, Success Is Certain aims to maintain the emcee's current momentum.
Can the drummer get some? It’s evident that some of most decorated sticksmen have got ‘some’ in terms of a star profile, even when apparently playing the background to lead singers and guitarists. As Keith Moon (of The Who) and ?uestlove of The Roots have proven, even the drummer can have their moment in the spotlight, as Blink 182’s Travis Barker aims to prove on his collaborative album Give The Drummer Some. Moving well into the Hip Hop lane, can the eccentric nature and style of Barker’s persona mesh well with the cocky, egotistical ways of some of rap’s favourites?