Roc Marciano’s 12th Album “The Skeleton Key” Prod. by The Alchemist Flawlessly Thanks Their Fans (Album Review)

This is the 12th full-length studio LP from Long Island emcee/producer Roc Marciano. Beginning in the very late 90’s as a member of the Flipmode Squad, he then went solo in 2008 to drop classic albums that would pave the way for those like Griselda such as Marcberg & Reloaded. He would begin focusing on producing projects for other artists like Flee Lord & Bronze Nazareth following Mt. Marci & of course returning to enlist The Alchemist to fully produce The Elephant Man’s Bones, which I gave a perfect score. However coming off a Marciology lesson, he & Uncle Al present to you The Skeleton Key.

The opener “Mystery Gawd” takes us to the basement instrumentally showing these lil muhfuckas what grown men do comparing him & Alchemist to gatekeepers whereas “Street Magic” goes for a bit of jazz rap direction suggesting that y’all should check the score. “Chopstick” brings a more morbid atmosphere to the table rightfully talking about embodying hip hop culture while “Knock It Off” wants to know why some of these cats be looking devilish yet angelic.

“Acid” hooks up these prominent piano chords flexing that they still drawing him even though he’s sketchy warning the pipsqueaks that shit really ain’t sweet leading into the soulful “Rauf” talking about running up a tab to receive himself a decent vehicle. “Chateau Josué” goes completely drumless to discuss doing it his way & that his hoe has no say whatsoever, but then “Skirt Streak” keeps the drums out of the equation once more advising how dirty the game is.

The track “Cryotherapy” hooks up this psychedelic beat feeling like he’s running out of hands to count & refusing to give handouts while the closer “Make Sure” symphonically talks about how he should be doing his own thing. The first of 2 bonus tracks “Hard Drugz” brings the soul samples back boasting that squares don’t fit into his circle whatsoever & finally, the other “Bleu Mouson” rounds it all out with a mafioso flare showing off his genius & status as a boss in all regions.

Merging all of Roc Marciano & The Alchemist’s individual qualities together, The Skeleton Key offers hip hop a collection of tracks that blend innovation with authenticity & also highlights their shared philosophy of creating art that stands the test of time while cementing their legacy as leaders & trendsetters in the field of communication through music. It’s additionally a thank you to their fans above all else & came from a place of gratitude for their continued support further solidifying themselves as undisputed trailblazers & tastemakers.

Score: 10/10