I don’t hate this, but tracks like 'Preacher Man' and 'Damn' feel undercooked. There’s just not enough weight behind the vocals. 'Beauty and the Beast' stands out as the highlight; it hints at real potential and could be something if expanded into something longer. Best Tracks: Beauty and the Beast

Nothing here really sticks for me. He kind of comes off as preachy, and the lyrics lack any real sense of fun. On tracks like 'Pass It Out/House Calls', he seems to be reaching for a Kendrick-style delivery. The production is serviceable but there’s little energy or bounce to lift things up. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★ Best Tracks: Unforgettable, No Apologies, Product Dealer User

After the initial shock from the lyrics (just look at the song titles...need I say more), the impact fades. While the production holds its own and a few bars grab your attention, the hooks are lacking and the overall experience lacks lasting appeal. It’s a raw listen, but not one you’re likely to revisit often. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★ Best Tracks: Fuck School, Penitentiary Blues

11 11 is an unusual collaboration between techno producer Guy Gerber and Diddy, and somehow, it works more often than not. The album blends deep house beats with dark, moody vibes, while Diddy's gravel-voiced spoken word musings go over some tracks. There is no rapping, and it sounds like a strange mix, but it works more often than not. Some tracks really stand out, like 'I Hear Her Calling Me' and 'My Heart.' Gerber’s production is smooth and hypnotic, giving the album a late-night feel. Puff Daddy adds a bit of mystery and attitude, but he seems like a bit player here. Not every track is memorable, and a few kind of fade into the background, but overall there’s a consistent feel. It’s not a typical dance album and definitely not a straight hip-hop project either. Still, it’s interesting and has a unique mood. It’s not a must-hear, but it’s worth checking out if you want something a little different. Best Tracks: Angels, Floating Messiah, I Hear Her Calling Me, My Heart

I originally had this project rated lower from when I first heard it a long time ago. Checking out Bleek’s discography after hearing his new 2025 album, I decided to give this one a revisit which is the only Bleek album I had previously heard. While the production here is more polished, leaning a little more pop than his previous work, it’s clear that each album became increasingly radio-friendly. For a hop hip head, I think his last album, 'M.A.D.E.', has a better balance. The album opens strong with the title track. It hits hard and sets the right tone. But then we get to the overrated 'Dear Summer', where I kept waiting for Bleek to drop a verse. It never comes and is just a solo Jay-Z song. Why is it on Bleek’s album? It feels like the inverse of what usually happens. Jay gets the shine instead of lending it. Next, 'Like That' is a pretty standard weak Swizz Beatz joint, forgettable and flat. Then the pop-rap vibe ramps up with 'Infatuated' and the slightly better 'The One' featuring a young Rihanna, which shows some improvement. 'First, Last and Only', with M.O.P., is a major highlight. M.O.P. completely steal the show. It sounds more like one of their tracks though than Bleek’s. That was an issue across his albums where features would be more memorable, largely because Bleek lacks a truly distinctive voice or commanding presence on the mic, but I'll touch on this point again later. Production throughout is a mixed bag but more good than bad. 'Get Low' has nice bounce, but it’s lyrically tedious. Same goes for 'Oh Baby'. However, then 9th Wonder steps in and elevates things. His layered, soulful production on 'Smoke the Pain Away' and 'Alright' gives Bleek a more introspective and mature sound, and both are among the best tracks on the album. 'Hater Free' has decent production too, but the concept and verses don’t bring much to the table, and it lacks the hook needed to save it. Thankfully, the album closes strongly with 'All About Me' and 'Straight Path', both of which bring back the grit and soul. In a way, the album’s structure mirrors Jay-Z’s 'The Blueprint'. There are some average pop moments early on, but a stronger, more introspective, and soulful finish. Now, back to the point I mentioned earlier—while Bleek isn’t the most unique or distinctive rapper, some of the strongest moments on '534', as with his previous albums, come when he’s on his own. Despite the presence of high-profile features, he proves he doesn’t always need them to hold his ground. All in all, this album features some of Bleek’s best work and probably has the most top-tier tracks of any of his releases. That said, it’s a bit more hit-and-miss compared to his previous effort and his latest, 'APT 3D', which are both more consistent overall. Still, it’s definitely better than I originally gave it credit for. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★ Best Tracks: 534, First Last and Only, Smoke the Pain Away, Alright, All About Me