Album Review: Cantrell - Devil Never Even Lived

Just checked out the new album by LA transplant and southern-rap upstart, Cantrell. Devil Never Even Lived is the follow up to last year’s breakout EP Stardust 2 Angels and is a significantly more mature than its predecessor, leaving behind much of the trap influence of his previous release in favor of conscious rap posturing and a deliberate flow that harkens back to Kanye West's bling era. While the S2A expressed Cantrell’s ambitions, DNEL is a chance for Cantrell to tell his truth. I’m feeling the warm jazz-rap of “Memories Never Die,” the sulky “Roses,” the bluesy bass and swaying toe-tapping gospel of “WaY BaCK,” the inspirational turn up of “Understand,” and of course, juicy, sputtering trap of “Fo Five.” I’m really feeling this one and I think it’s going to stay in rotation for more than a minute.