Zuu

by Denzel Curry

Overview

An ode to everything that made him, Denzel Curry's fourth album, ZUU, is a bold and bombastic set of gut-rumbling rap anthems ideal for windows-down summer driving. Unlike 2018's dark and moody Ta13oo, ZUU is energized, party-friendly, and fun, buffered by a nostalgic throwback energy that ties his past to the present. Lyrically, that past is entrenched throughout, with Curry honoring his parents, shouting out Florida rap predecessors Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Plies, and Trina, and painting a rich, detailed canvas of daily life in Miami's Carol City neighborhood. Production-wise, ZUU is a thrill, a blend of classic Miami bass and Curry's twisted experimental rap potpourri. At a trim 29 minutes, there's not a second wasted here; even the interludes contribute to the overall hometown experience and are funny to boot. Highlights abound, including the speaker-blasting "Ricky" -- named after Curry's father -- and the menacing collaboration with Maybach don Rick Ross on the feverish bass boomer "BIRDZ." While Curry maintains his position as one of the more thoughtful and introspective emcees of his generation -- delivering anguished tracks such as "Speedboat" and "Bushy B Interlude" -- ZUU is mostly concerned with head-spinning, physically inspiring jams. This ethos is especially apparent during the wild closing stretch, which kicks off with standout "Carolmart" featuring Ice Billion Berg. Atop funhouse production, Curry showers love upon Dade County and South Florida, boasting with a wink as the thundering bass splits the concrete of the streets he's representing. "Shake 88" with Sam Sneak pivots to the strip club, absorbing some raucous New Orleans bounce into Curry's orbit. He closes with the cacophonous "P.A.T." featuring PlayThatBoiZay, ending an otherwise fun-loving album with an aggressive, menacing rager that reminds listeners that sunny Florida still has its share of violence, drugs, and mischief. In less than a half hour, Curry establishes himself not only as one of the most capable and exciting artists of his generation, but also worthy of a place in Miami's rap pedigree, right alongside the local icons who inspired this gem. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

Product Details

Release Date:	08/04/2023
Label:	Universal
UPC:	0888072534414
Rank:	78559

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Denzel Curry   Primary Artist
Rick Ross   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Sam Sneak   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Tay Keith   Primary Artist
Kiddo Marv   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Playthatboizay   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Ice Billion Berg   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
J. Nics   Vocals

Technical Credits

Clay Dixon   Composer
Richard Jones   Composer
Michel Magne   Composer
Mark Seymour   Composer
Kae Williams, Jr.   Composer
James Scheffer   Composer
Bobby Ford   Composer
Samuel Jean   Composer
Joe LaPorta   Mastering
Ernest Brown   Composer
William Roberts   Composer
Algernod Washington   Composer
Nathan Burgess   Mixing
Katrina Taylor   Composer
Michael Mule   Composer
Isaac de Boni   Composer
Luke Blair   Composer
Markese Rolle   Composer
Sam Sneak   Composer,Producer
FNZ   Producer,Executive Producer
Rugah Rahj   Composer,Producer
Michael Magne   Composer
Denzel Curry   Composer
Charlie Heat   Producer
Samuel "Sam Sneak" Saint-Jean   Composer
Lavares Joseph   Composer
Ronald Spence, Jr.   Composer
Ronny J   Producer
Mark Maturah   Composer
Gerard Powell II   Composer
Tay Keith   Producer
Joshua Goods   Composer
Brytavious Chambers   Composer
Derrick Baker   Composer
Ryan Degrandy   Composer
Mickey De Grand IV   Producer
Reyshod Curry   Composer,Producer
Jasper Harris   Composer,Producer
Darnell Matthew   Composer
Marvin Beauville   Composer
Keanu Torres   Composer
Cedric Woodside   Composer
Isaiah Loubeau   Composer
Fabio Aguilar   Composer,Producer
Plus Pierre   Composer,Producer
Shane Starks   Composer,Producer
Montrell Sneal   Composer
Julian Cousins   Photography
J. Rodriguez   Design,Creative Director