Like the NES and the SNES, there's the GOAT, and there's The Supergoat. New York rapper Hus Kingpin is here to make it known that he's on a level above, the next evolution of what was believed to be the best. A bold claim to make for sure. So is he spitting facts, or is it fiction? Is Hus the real deal, or just another name claiming status among the greats? It's impossible to tell from just one example, but at the very least I can say that this attempt at the throne is more than honest.

Standout Tracks: King Is Born, Friends, Famous Poet, What It Is, Already

Not much is out there about Hus, but despite the lowkey persona, his repertoire is already expansive. With 27 projects since his first in 2016, his Spitta-esque stream of output is notable, showing that he really does put in the kind of work he raps about. And speaking of, the lyrical performances on this album are immaculate. With his steady, percussive delivery, Hus lays down a thick layer of heat on every track. Bouncing from abstract imagery of the sun, seas, and stars, to grounded depictions of his status in the streets. And with all-time great 9th Wonder on production duties, Hus steps his game up to match beat for beat. With impeccable imagery over 11 immaculate instrumentals, this album is ideal.

A song like What It Is is the perfect demonstration. The production is picturesque, setting a gorgeous scene akin to a yacht floating on the Mediterranean, Hus brings a pungent punch. Spouting bars like "I write with the gun in my wrist with bullet tips. That's why the pages in my book must bleed. Yo this a must read. And me and Mu$ an new Just League. I brought the block scramblin' to Jamla.", he carries a stilted, arrhythmic cadence that keeps you at the edge of your seat, hanging on tight as you wait for the next bar to bring it home. The delivery throughout the album is almost filmic. With 9th as the director, the architect, setting up each scene all with a different vision but sharing the same feel. That allows Hus to play his role perfectly, the method actor and main character, with each feature as part of the supporting cast. The glistening and golden aura from the title track Supergoat, the laid back jazzy jive on Already, and the evening jaunt down the empty highway with King Is Born playing; any of these scenes would be enough for praise. So to effortlessly transport you between the three with ease is a testament to the skill that 9th Wonder puts towards his craft.

Overall, front to back this album jams. 9th Wonder continues to cement his place among the greats of hip hop, and Hus takes a big step towards that exclusive club. These two really make it look effortless.

Final Verdict: dig this - this one was very close to classic, a genuine surprise coming from a relatively unknown artist. But if anything, this album is just more evidence of the fact that popularity and quality are two totally different things.