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9.2/10
JPEGMAFIA, also known as Peggy, has come together with Detroit-based rapper Danny Brown, best known for his distinct voice and songs such as "Grown Up" and "Really Doe". There's a lot of hype around this project, as many fans of Peggy and music, in general, have fantasized about him coming together with Danny to make a project as their voices and style of music mesh so well together. The singles "Lean Beef Patty" and "SCARING THE HOES", each having punchy mixes and great performances from both artists, set expectations high. With 'SCARING THE HOES', Peggy and Danny prove that the hype was very much true.
'SCARING THE HOES' makes for such a unique rollercoaster of a listen, taking you through so many sounds. Take the track "HOE" for example, whose beat is so intriguing, going in, out, around--literally everywhere. The outro offers up a great groovy switch-up that is so satisfying on the ears too. There are so many dope samples on here too, such as the Rich the Kid "Plug Walk" snippet or Kelis's little "Milkshake" remix, making for such an entertaining listen. The punchiness and aggression this album contains is something that's so special as well, such as on "Burfict!", a track containing a powerful performance from Peggy accompanied by hard-hitting drums and bass. The closing track "Where Ya Get Ya Coke From?" theatrically opens up with distorted drums and horns, returning in between verses. Peggy's delivery is so tough, with lots of energy, and a dancey flow. Danny comes through with an aggressive delivery as well, matched well by the beat. "Garbage Pale Kids" is similar, a track with beautiful distorted electric guitar and Peggy going hard on his verse, but Danny just missing a bit, not matching up to Peggy's energy.
This issue with Danny not being present on the album pops up a few times, like on the intro track "Lean Beef Patty" where the mixing of the vocals is fine, I actually enjoyed the distantness of Peggy's vocals, but Danny, however, sounds a little too distant at times, but half makes up for it with a great verse and delivery. I love the subtleness of the drums on this track and the hard-hitting bass. "Orange Juice Jones" contains one of Danny's most awkward performances on the album, not fitting in with the groovy, chill beat the track contains, making for an overall sleepy track only somewhat enjoyable due to Peggy's solid performance. "Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up / Muddy Waters" is one of Danny's high points on the album, finally offering us an energetic performance, matching the striking drum beat.
The unique sounds this album comes through with are fantastic. I love the saxophone the title track contains, especially when it reaches that screeching point--it's such a great touch. Peggy and Danny's flows are great and the chorus is overall super catchy. The jazz influence on the track "Jack Harlow Combo Meal" was so unexpected (especially with a goofy title like that) but so perfect, especially with that piano sticking around through the entirety of the track. Danny's verse again doesn't hit as hard as Peggy's, but it's a listening experience that's saved by the production. "God Loves You" makes for a captivating listen, with the super deep and full bass that darkly hovers below everything, and the gospel singing in the background which is such a cool touch, bringing a captivating richness to the track. redveil, an 18-year-old rapping prodigy from Washington D.C. is the only feature on this album, and boy was he a great choice. On "Kingdom Hearts Key", redveil's voice matches the laid-back groovy beat perfectly, and the same goes for Peggy and Danny. It's such an instrumentally dense track, with the vocals, drums, and strings--it all comes together so well.
JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown prove that they are a duo to be scared of in the music scene. They aren't afraid to push the boundaries, try new sounds, and make things that shouldn't work actually work, and work very well. Although this album may not be mixed to perfection, that's what makes it stand out. Its unique sound makes it a distinct listening experience; it's hoe-scaring music at its finest.
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