SRFSCHL US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Fraud's third full-length of 2024 is another example to his unparalleled consistency in street rap. Partnering with producer Harry Fraud, the album marries Fraud's dynamic, loop-based production with Boldy's gritty, introspective lyricism. Fresh off the success of the The Alchemist and Nicholas Craven, The Bricktionary solidifies Boldy's legacy as a steady force in hip-hop, crafting vivid, haunting street tales with every verse. Fraud's production is a perfect match for Boldy's style, blending chipmunk soul, trap beats and atmospheric soul samples to create a backdrop that's both complex and accessible. Tracks like 'Shadowboxing' show Boldy's lyrical dexterity over airy, 1980s-inspired loops, while 'Speedy Gonzales' pulses with a bouncy drumbeat, driving the track forward with intensity. Guest features like Tee Grizzley on 'Cecil Fielder' and Benny the Butcher on 'Rabies' add flair to the album, but it's Boldy's nuanced storytelling that shines throughout. On tracks like 'Harvey Grant' and 'Fish Grease', Boldy reflects on his journey, blending the mundane with the profound as he recounts struggles and triumphs with masterful clarity. The Bricktionary proves that Boldy James, alongside Harry Fraud, remains a force in the game, offering yet another standout project in a year already brimming with stellar releases.