A Disappointing Journey: Maps Falls Short of Billy Woods and Kenny Segal’s Previous Brilliance

https://billywoods.bandcamp.com/album/maps

May 5, 2023

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ (2/5 Stars)

It is with a heavy heart that I write this review for Maps, the latest hip-hop collaboration between Billy Woods and Kenny Segal. As a fan Woods’ previous works, such as the phenomenal albums History Will Absolve Me

https://billywoods.bandcamp.com/album/history-will-absolve-me

and Hiding Places, I had high hopes for Maps. Sadly, this album fails to reach the heights set by its predecessors, leaving listeners yearning for the remarkable intensity and production that characterized Woods’ earlier endeavors.

One of the most glaring issues with Maps is the lackluster production. While Kenny Segal has proven himself to be a talented producer in the past, the beats and on this album feel uninspired and forgettable. The captivating and atmospheric soundscape that elevated previous projects, especially Hiding Places, is sorely missing, resulting in a mundane listening experience. It feels as if the duo has settled for mediocrity, failing to push the boundaries of their creativity.

Lyrically, Billy Woods’ prowess seems to have taken a hit on this album as well. His thought-provoking and introspective verses, which captivated audiences on previous releases, are overshadowed by a sense of lethargy. It’s still lyrically dense but the delivery is dry and the cadance is repetitious. When Danny Brown makes his appearance it’s almost embarrassing for Woods how much more interesting, engaging, and charismatic he is.

What adds further disappointment to the experience is the response from certain critics. It appears that some publications, like Pitchfork and NPR, are attempting to make up for their failure to appreciate Woods’ earlier brilliance by overhyping Maps. Their attempt to compensate for their past oversight is evident in their inflated praise for an album that simply does not deserve it. It feels disingenuous and detracts from the integrity of their reviews.

In conclusion, Maps is a lackluster addition to Billy Woods and Kenny Segal’s discography. Its underwhelming production, poorly delivered bars, and the misguided praise from certain critics leave much to be desired. As a fan, I hope that Woods and Segal will regroup, learn from this misstep, and deliver something more in line with the brilliance they have showcased in the past.