By Anthony Carraggi
Ginger By Brockhampton was released on August 23, 2019, as the group’s fifth studio album. Rap’s premier “boyband” release, Ginger, is a step in a new direction for the group, a founding member, Ameer Vann, being kicked out of the group. This is their second album released since the sexual misconduct accusations against Vann in May of 2018. Brockhampton does not bring the same energy to the collection as they have in the past; the classic “bangers” that Brockhampton usually brings is missing. Instead, this album is more akin to a reflective tone that describes some of the mental health struggles the members have.
Religion has a substantial presence in this album and is generally criticized by the band. Especially on IF YOU PRAY RIGHT, where some of the members go back and forth going between all religions from Buddhism to Islam to being a Jehovah’s Witness. This was further supported when member, Kevin Abstract, posted on Instagram with the caption “if you pray right, heaven belongs 2 you.” This is relieved throughout their lyricism, and dark undertones can be found through the bass lines. Powerful performances are found throughout the album, and unlike their other records, the boys seem united, and ideas seem more agreed upon and coherent.
Great harmonies can be found in the intro NO HALO, and the second track SUGAR. Furthermore, they are the catchiest songs on the album, especially with the autotune switches as each member comes to the mic to describe their struggles. Some things do not change, and that can be said with the unique and catchy beats and pleasing harmonics in some of the more stand out songs like ST. PERCY, which is a stray-away from the depressive atmosphere that the album indulges the listener into. The group raps confidently about their prowess and staying true to who they are. One track, notably, DEARLY DEPARTED, expresses the group’s distress with dark themes during the baseline and harmonic parts, creepily dark with sad lyricism over it.
The album closes with BIG BOY, LOVE ME FOR LIFE, and VICTOR ROBERTS, which continues the depressive themes of emotional suppression, loneliness, and struggling to strive as an adult after a traumatic childhood. Overall, the album is one of the most consistent the group has ever released and is a refreshing viewpoint from hip hop’s boyband, Brockhampton. It starts unbelievably strong sonically and proceeds to be more lyrically strong the further the album plays.
Ginger by Brockhampton – 8/10