Don't Go Tellin' Your Momma - Topaz Jones

REVIEWED: April 22, 2022

On Topaz Jones' second studio album, there is definitely a feel of the 1970s. The tracks are upbeat and nostalgic, a feeling of a more youthful time. Various songs feel like making beats with your friends in the back of the classroom on a lazy afternoon. Topaz presents a refreshing sound in a wave of songs that have started to blend in and sound alike. It is a breath of fresh air when contrasted with other songs in the more alternative hip-hop genre. The overall theme of the album feels like the warm summer air, a roller rink, laughing with friends, and reflecting on the past. It perfectly embodies the Black youth experience. I like this album because of the sequencing. It makes you want to always listen to the album in its entirety, when you choose to. The witty wordplay, melodic background vocals, and the short film that accompanies it make it such a standout project amongst others from the same year. This album was released just under a year before Saba's "Few Good Things," and it is notable that they both have accompanying short films. Underrated rap artists like these two are making a comeback in storytelling, giving their albums more memorability and soul. With this gift from last year, Topaz is setting himself up to have a successful run.