After over a decade as a part of the rap duo the Clipse, Virginia native Pusha T has finally released his debut album as a solo artist, “My Name is My Name”.

After signing to Kanye West’s GOOD Music label, Pusha released a series of mix tapes and was featured on songs with various artists. In the midst of all the music he released, people were clamoring for a full solo album from him. Thankfully, “My Name Is My Name” delivers to his core fan base and throws his hat into the ring during one of hip hop’s most historic years.

From the beginning of the title track, “King Push”, it is easy to tell that Pusha’s confidence is at an all time high. As he raps over this dark, haunting beat produced by Kanye West, you get a clear overview of the content of the entire
album. References towards his past as a drug dealer, his present as a rapper with a taste for the upper echelon, and slick punch lines immediately pull you into the rest of the album. Pusha easily delivers one of the best intros in recent memory and sets the frame for the entire album.

While the album doesn’t have a general concept attached to it, each song is set up to tell its own story. Songs such as “Hold On” and “40 Acres” continue the narrative of a past drug dealer lifestyle and the struggles that come along with this way of life. While these stories may seem to be overdone in the genre of hip hop new perspectives continue to make these stories fresh. You hear these dark tales from Pusha T and he paints the picture for you rather than making the listener use their imagination.

“My Name Is My Name” also features the possible future radio singles “Sweet Serenade”, featuring fellow Virginia native Chris Brown, and “Let Me Love You” featuring Kelly Rowland. While these songs steer away from the continued narrative of the album, they show that Pusha T can cater to all audiences within the realm of hip hop.

But the pinnacle of the album lies in the last four songs, “Who I Am”, “Nosestalgia”, “Pain” and “S.N.I.T.C.H”. These songs are tailored to show you what Pusha T really does, write great lyrics over amazing production. “Who I Am”, a bounce inducing anthem, features fellow GOOD Music label mates 2 Chainz and Big Sean.

“Nosestalgia”, arguably the best song on the entire album, features a high quality verse from Compton born rapper Kendrick Lamar. The song also features a simple beat pattern that adds to the quality of the song. It sounds like a classic hip hop record which allows both Pusha and Kendrick to put their best foot forward.

Overall, “My Name Is My Name” is a high quality album with a few missteps. Songs such as “Suicide” and “No Regrets” don’t add anything of value to the album and sound like leftover songs from his mix tapes. Pusha seemed to be at his best over production by Kanye West and Pharrell, and these songs carried the entire album.