Exploring Denzel Curry's Evolution in "King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2"

At just 16, Curry released 'King of the Mischievous South Vol. 1 Underground Tape'. Over a decade later, he gives us 'King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2'. This project marks a pivotal moment in Curry’s career and showcases his evolution in the rap scene. Released on July 19th, this project is a blend of Southern rap’s history and modern elements, marking a significant point in Curry's career. It's a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy that perfectly captures his journey.

King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2

Let's take it back a step, a little history lesson.

Denzel Rae Don Curry, born on February 16, 1995, in Carol City, Florida, began rapping in sixth grade. By 2011, he was working on his first mixtape, 'King Remembered Underground Tape 1991–1995', released on September 24, 2011. The mixtape caught the attention of SpaceGhostPurrp, leading to Curry’s membership in the hip hop group Raider Klan.

Many recognise Curry for his high-energy hit "Ultimate" or the viral video for "Ricky," vividly recreating backyard brawls from his Miami hometown. Touring with Billie Eilish, who named him one of her favourite artists, further cemented his reputation. However, those who delve deeper into his work discover a significant impact on hip hop over the past decade a substantial contribution.

Joining Raider Klan in high school, Curry became part of a collective known for its gritty sound and gothic aesthetic. This group played a crucial role in shaping the Soundcloud rap scene, turning it into a significant genre in the 2010s. Curry's evolution from aggressive speed-rap in 'Imperial' (2016) to the confessional and vulnerable 'Ta13oo' (2018) shows his constant reinvention.

Denzel Curry by The Fader

'King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2' isn't just another album for Curry; it’s a return to the sound that helped start his career. In a recent interview with Grammy Awards Curry describes how Vol.1 came about. "I was a kid, man. I was just trying to emulate my favorite rappers who really represented the South. I was into Soulja Slim, No Limit, and mostly Three 6 Mafia. Then I layered Miami culture on top of that."

Curry now taking on the Big Ultra persona, an evolved version of his Raven Miyagi character. This evolution shows his growth over the past decade, from a new artist to an established name in the industry.

Curry’s connection to the Southern rap scene is strongly rooted in his Florida upbringing and early days with Raider Klan. His aggressive lyrics and unique sound have always set him apart. This new project reflects his journey and his deep connection to Southern rap traditions.

The album features a variety of collaborations and standout tracks. "HOT ONE,” with A$AP Ferg and TiaCorine, caught my ear right away. It has a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of Lil Wayne’s Carter mixtapes. “BLACK FLAG FREESTYLE,” featuring That Mexican OT, delivers sharp lyrics and intense energy. "HOODLUMZ,” featuring A$AP Rocky and PlayThatBoiZay, is another powerful track.

Other collaborations include “SET IT” with Maxo Kream, “COLE PIMP” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Juicy J, and “G’Z UP” with 2 Chainz and Mike Dimes. Each track brings something unique to the album, showcasing Curry working with a range of artists.

Curry's music often reflects the realities of being Black in America, inspired by his personal experiences and losses, such as the deaths of his classmate Trayvon Martin and his brother Treon Johnson. His work addresses pivotal issues such as criminal justice reform, systemic racism, and police brutality, embodying the spirit of "golden age" hip hop artists who used their music as a form of political resistance.

Denzel Curry by Giovanni Mourin

To support the project, Curry is hitting the road on  The Grey Day Tour, with stops in major cities across North America and Europe, as well as at select festivals.

Official Tour Dates

For those interested in a deeper connection with the album, Curry’s official website offers exclusive merchandise. As I scrolled through the website I found limited edition vinyl, off-white t-shirts, and hoodies featuring the album’s artwork. Additionally, cassette tapes are available, a nod to the days when artists distributed their music by hand.

Imagine a young artist walking into a local barbershop, nervously asking the owner to play his cassette just once.

This old-school touch brings back the hustle and personal connection of those early days, linking Curry’s latest work to the grassroots efforts that helped build the music scene.

In closing this project encapsulates Denzel Curry’s journey, celebrating his past and hinting at what’s next in his evolving career. It’s an engaging project that bridges where he started with where he's headed.