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#19
Royce Da 5’9” | Book of Ryan
Heaven Studios/eOne
According to Kenneth Hicks: “Book of Ryan is filled with stories stitched together by lineage. Royce recounts the family experiences that have molded him and ponders how they will affect his own children. He shares his memories not just through his rhymes, but also through well-crafted skits. The tales told on the album are harrowing, but Royce relives them with a sense of triumph rather than defeat.
Book of Ryan conveys a lot of pain, but Royce balances it with moments of nostalgia and encouragement. The gravity in his words is matched by the sound of the production. He shows dexterity in how he approaches the songs, frequently switching his cadence and delivery. And Royce uses his singing to establish the sentiment of certain songs. The candid nature of the album can make it feel as if we're invading Royce's privacy. But his honesty is intentional and it's bound to deepen the connection between Royce and his fans.”
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