Ken Carson is a 23-year-old artist from Atlanta. Currently stands as one of the most thrilling emerging talents within the underground music scene. He has gained significant notoriety, often seeing his songs go viral on TikTok. Additionally, he’s inked a deal with Playboi Carti’s Opium label, a venture that’s proven to be immensely successful. He would go on to drop a total of 5 EPs prior to his full-length debut Project X couple of summers back & coming off the mature sophomore effort X over a year ago.
Notably, artists like Destroy Lonely and Homixide Gxng are also under this label, and they’ve achieved notable success. Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that Carson has garnered a considerable amount of hype in comparison to his peers. However, to commemorate Friday the 13th being in October this year, Ken’s unleashing his 3rd full-length LP.
A lot of fans have been eagerly anticipating Ken Carson’s latest album, “A Great Chaos.” The release was originally scheduled for several months ago but ended up being postponed. Fortunately, on Friday, Ken Carson made it up to his fans by finally releasing the 18-track project. This new album also includes collaborations with Destroy Lonely and Lil Uzi Vert. While some fans may have been expecting a feature from Playboi Carti, it’s likely that the artist was lending support to the project behind the scenes.
Ken Carson Showcases the Power of Opium
I agree with most people that this is better than X. I was able to sit through this one without getting a major headache, and I even enjoyed a couple of songs here. A step in a better direction. Better production, and a more convincing performance.
The beats are of such high quality that I can’t label this album as poor. In reality, it isn’t bad at all. It’s a significant step up from X, no doubt about that. However, the vocal performances fall short of greatness. There are even moments when the beats become monotonous, and those tracks are the least appealing. The ones where both the beat and Ken’s delivery are uninteresting can be a challenge to listen to.
I found my time listening to A Great Chaos quite enjoyable. It wouldn’t be fair to claim that it boasts the most outstanding raps or the most easily digestible singing styles I’ve ever come across, but what truly catches my attention is the innovative experimentation that runs throughout the album. Ken Carson doesn’t adhere to the usual songwriting norms; instead, he plays with his vocal delivery in various ways, manipulates complex beats, and constructs song arrangements that keep you engaged. In this era where music is pushing the boundaries of our tastes, for those searching for excitement or a mental challenge, this album offers a thrilling musical experience.
What saves this album from being awful are the few powerful highlights. Jennifer’s Body is genuinely a raging masterpiece of a song, with an incredible beat and a focused, energetic, and meaningful performance from Ken. Talking about his bitch being a hottie interpolating “Good Riddance” by Green Day over some hi-hats & fuzzy synths.
“Green Room” is an infuriating standout, masterfully crafted by F1LTHY, kicking things off by directly challenging those individuals who have never experienced much in their lives.
In my opinion, the opium artists have set a low standard when a new album drops with a few good songs. This might be better than X or any Destroy Lonely album.
FAV TRACKS: Jennifer’s Body, Green Room, Like This, Overtime
LEAST FAV TRACKS: Hardcore, Nightcore, Pots
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Green Room (4.5/5)
2. Jennifer’s Body (5/5)
3. Fighting My Demons (2/5)
4. Singapore (Ft. Destroy Lonely) (4/5)
5. Lose It (2/5)
6. Hardcore (3/5)
7. Me N My Kup (3/5)
8. It’s Over (3/5)
9. Succubus (2/5)
10. Paranoid (Ft. Destroy Lonely) (3/5)
11. Pots (3/5)
12. Like This (Ft. Lil Uzi Vert & Destroy Lonely) (4/5)
13. Overtime (4/5)
14. Vampire Hour (3/5)
15. Nightcore (3/5)
16. Nightcore 2 (3/5)
17. Rockstar Lifestyle (3/5)
18. I need u (3/5)
