In the case of Pusha T, his debut album has been eleven years in the making. Even though he was one half of The Clipse, Pusha T always had the potential to make it as a solo artist. But, it was not until 2011 that Pusha T released Fear of God and he showed he could hold the game down as a solo artist.
My Name is My Name was announced at the end of last year and Pusha T released the single, “Pain,” featuring Future to introduce the album. Pusha T made fans wait all year for My Name is My Name and he does not disappoint with the LP. At a time when hip hop is going over and beyond, Pusha T kept it basic and still came through strongly.
Pusha T made his name off delivering rhymes mainly about the drug trade, but he showed his versatility on the album. What can easily become the next rap ballad for the ladies is “Let Me Love You” with Kelly Rowland and Pusha T did it without compromising himself. His album shows plenty of wider ranges.
Managing to stay in his lane, Pusha T has successfully broken the stigma of simply being a “drug dealer rapper.” Instead, he has shown himself to be more like his G.O.O.D. Music counterparts as a more versatile artist, but he brings the much-needed street edge to the label through My Name is My Name. It’s clear from the intro, “King Push,” that Pusha T is coming to deliver nothing short of one of the best albums of 2013.
The only downside to My Name is My Name is the older songs from almost a year ago being used to round the album out and this includes “Pain” with Future and “Numbers on the Board.” Yet and still, both songs fit the mood Pusha T created for the album and there are not too many artists who can still create one mood for the album and captivate the listener. Pusha T did this and it makes the album worth the wait.
My Name is My Name is definitely an album that will not leave the fans disappointed if they have come for real hip hop with a modern feel to it. The album boasts guest appearances from Future, Chris Brown, Jeezy, Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, Kelly Rowland, Ab-Liva, and The-Dream. This is a definite must-have, especially with the fall season approaching, this record will cool things down.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 9/10
