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A track by track review of Book Of Ryan by Royce da 5'9" (Thread)
Intro
We start off this album with a spoken word introduction. For the entire track, Royce details all of the things that he has gained clarity on both from within as well as on what's around him. A very subtle opening to his conceptual masterpiece
We start off this album with a spoken word introduction. For the entire track, Royce details all of the things that he has gained clarity on both from within as well as on what's around him. A very subtle opening to his conceptual masterpiece
Woke
The 2nd track on the album has a stripped back beat combined with a looping vocal sample which makes for a solid opening song. This song covers the topic of being woke in different ways, while still having slick wordplay
The 2nd track on the album has a stripped back beat combined with a looping vocal sample which makes for a solid opening song. This song covers the topic of being woke in different ways, while still having slick wordplay
My Parallel (Skit)
Royce begins his story with this skit, the first lines being “The Book of Ryan”. Royce’s real name is Ryan Montgomery so The Book of Ryan is a story about him and his life experiences.
Royce begins his story with this skit, the first lines being “The Book of Ryan”. Royce’s real name is Ryan Montgomery so The Book of Ryan is a story about him and his life experiences.
Caterpillar
The first 3 tracks on the album are relatively slow, but with Caterpillar, there’s a change in pace, this song is high energy. Royce and Eminem both display lyrical excellence in this track, while also demanding their respect.
The first 3 tracks on the album are relatively slow, but with Caterpillar, there’s a change in pace, this song is high energy. Royce and Eminem both display lyrical excellence in this track, while also demanding their respect.
God Speed
One of my personal favorites from the album, this song is just straight BARS. A motivational song where Royce both details the obstacles he has faced as well as how life has changed for him. Production is beautiful
One of my personal favorites from the album, this song is just straight BARS. A motivational song where Royce both details the obstacles he has faced as well as how life has changed for him. Production is beautiful
Dumb
Dumb features rapper Boogie, and the two rap over a sample of Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E”. Royce talks about the negative (dumb) parts of the music business such as there not being a middle class. Boogie also has some slick lines, like the one below.
Dumb features rapper Boogie, and the two rap over a sample of Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E”. Royce talks about the negative (dumb) parts of the music business such as there not being a middle class. Boogie also has some slick lines, like the one below.
Who Are You (Skit)
Royce details a dream he had in which he was able to ask his father any question he wanted, but the perspective changes and Royce is now the father talking to his own son. His son wants to write a book about him called “The Book of Ryan”
Royce details a dream he had in which he was able to ask his father any question he wanted, but the perspective changes and Royce is now the father talking to his own son. His son wants to write a book about him called “The Book of Ryan”
Cocaine
In the previous skit, Royce’s son asks him the question “Who are you?” and Royce’s answer is the songs on this album. This song is a personal story, and is about Royce’s father’s cocaine addiction. Royce’s singing is powerful and very touching.
In the previous skit, Royce’s son asks him the question “Who are you?” and Royce’s answer is the songs on this album. This song is a personal story, and is about Royce’s father’s cocaine addiction. Royce’s singing is powerful and very touching.
Life Is Fair
Royce details both the good and bad memories from his childhood. While he has bad memories such as when people broke into his house and stole all his food, he also has fond memories of summer times when he would spend lots of time outdoors.
Royce details both the good and bad memories from his childhood. While he has bad memories such as when people broke into his house and stole all his food, he also has fond memories of summer times when he would spend lots of time outdoors.
Boblo Boat
Royce and J. Cole reminisce back to their younger days and recount the different experiences they went through. J. Cole recalls the stresses and concerns he used to have when he was younger, all throughout he has an impeccable flow, both of their verses are excellent
Royce and J. Cole reminisce back to their younger days and recount the different experiences they went through. J. Cole recalls the stresses and concerns he used to have when he was younger, all throughout he has an impeccable flow, both of their verses are excellent
Legendary
Royce raps over a very strange beat in a way that only a rapper of his caliber could do. Royce talks about what makes him legendary, and what he’s done to have legendary status.
Royce raps over a very strange beat in a way that only a rapper of his caliber could do. Royce talks about what makes him legendary, and what he’s done to have legendary status.
Amazing
Easily the most upbeat song on the entire album, Royce again reminisces on the happy memories of his youth. Even though some memories (like fighting over the TV channel) aren’t great, they still bring back positive feelings.
Easily the most upbeat song on the entire album, Royce again reminisces on the happy memories of his youth. Even though some memories (like fighting over the TV channel) aren’t great, they still bring back positive feelings.
Outside
Royce addresses his relationship with his son and also brings up the struggles his son will have to go though. Not only is his son in a gene pool of addicts, but he’s also part of a group of people who are constantly being targets of racism. Sad and moving.
Royce addresses his relationship with his son and also brings up the struggles his son will have to go though. Not only is his son in a gene pool of addicts, but he’s also part of a group of people who are constantly being targets of racism. Sad and moving.
Power
The most powerful and emotional song on the entire album based not only on the lyrics, but the way they’re delivered. Royce tells two depressing stories, but concludes by saying that tough and challenging moments in life are what give you power
The most powerful and emotional song on the entire album based not only on the lyrics, but the way they’re delivered. Royce tells two depressing stories, but concludes by saying that tough and challenging moments in life are what give you power
Protecting Ryan (Skit)
Royce recounts a memory in which there was an altercation at a basketball court, and Ryan’s older brother Greg came to his aid, but ended up stabbing the other guy and Greg was sent to prison. Another chapter in The Book of Ryan
Royce recounts a memory in which there was an altercation at a basketball court, and Ryan’s older brother Greg came to his aid, but ended up stabbing the other guy and Greg was sent to prison. Another chapter in The Book of Ryan
Strong Friend
In this song, Royce delves into how our “strong friends” need to be checked up on just as much as other people. You can hear the pain in Royce’s voice because he feels that he’s “the strong friend” having to hide his problems.
In this song, Royce delves into how our “strong friends” need to be checked up on just as much as other people. You can hear the pain in Royce’s voice because he feels that he’s “the strong friend” having to hide his problems.
Anything/Everything
Royce covers several topics on this song, such as racism, his alcohol addiction, etc. Royce’s singing is beautiful, and it helps lighten the tone of the song that deals with heavy topics.
Royce covers several topics on this song, such as racism, his alcohol addiction, etc. Royce’s singing is beautiful, and it helps lighten the tone of the song that deals with heavy topics.
Stay Woke
While this song isn’t about anything specific, Royce does showcase some excellent lyricism over an amazing sample. Throughout the song he drops powerful lines, gives us double entendres, and also shouts out multiple people.
While this song isn’t about anything specific, Royce does showcase some excellent lyricism over an amazing sample. Throughout the song he drops powerful lines, gives us double entendres, and also shouts out multiple people.
First of the Month
The closing track on the album is an uplifting song to conclude The Book of Ryan. Royce and T-Pain both celebrate the first day of the month (when you get paid) and the album ends on a positive note
The closing track on the album is an uplifting song to conclude The Book of Ryan. Royce and T-Pain both celebrate the first day of the month (when you get paid) and the album ends on a positive note
Summary
Overall, this is an incredible album from start to finish. Royce proved he could be personal and tell parts of his life story in a fascinating way. Everything on this album is damn near flawless, from Royce’s lyrics to his excellent production.
Overall, this is an incredible album from start to finish. Royce proved he could be personal and tell parts of his life story in a fascinating way. Everything on this album is damn near flawless, from Royce’s lyrics to his excellent production.
Not only can Royce rap extremely well, but he was singing on a lot of this album and it was great. This album is also stacked with top tier features from Eminem, J. Cole, Boogie, Jadakiss, Fabolous, etc.
Skits are used throughout the album and a lot to add depth to The Book of Ryan. In conclusion, Book of Ryan is a conceptual masterpiece and easily one of the best albums of the 2010s. This album is deserving of so much more praise.
