Pusha T 'King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude' review

The newly anointed president of G.O.O.D music signs out 2015 with a brand new burst of a release in King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude (stream below on Spotify), a quick fix of music to build up to the release of his next opus which he has already proclaimed an album of the year contender.

it's much the same from an emcee who is that rare beast in hip hop - a mic talisman who gets better at his craft with age. Close to forty, Pusha T is no flash in the pan emcee, something he points out on the recently dropped and former Stereo Selections choice 'Untouchable' as he "separates myself from the kings of YouTube".

That track, with its claustrophobic Timbaland beat and Biggie refrain, opens up an album which is concise, lyrical heavy and featuring some killer production - exactly what you want from the former Clipse mic destroyer. Timbaland's gargling drums and electronic sonics also underpin 'Got Em Covered',  much like the clunking 'Numbers on the Board' from 2013 opus My Name is My Name it shows how well his voice suits unconventional beats. 

Elsewhere Kanye West and P Diddy bring heat, the former leading an all star collaboration with A$AP Rocky on 'M.P.A', the latest hip hop acronym coming in at "Money Pussy and Alcohol". Beanie Siegel returns from the cold on 'Keep Dealing', two streets henchman slugging it out to one another, whilst Jill Scott offers a lovely vocal on closer 'Sunshine', a track which eviscerates the state of modern America.  

But this is all about Pusha, someone who continues to prove he deserves the King title once again. That complete album can't come quick enough.