A Razor-Sharp Reminder

Joell Ortiz has been a known commodity for nearly 20 years now—it’s absolutely crazy how time flies. I was definitely into Joell by 2008 with the classic track “Hip-Hop” in GTA IV. Since then, he’s never really let his foot off the pedal. An artist who’s continued to sharpen and hone his pen, Love, Peace & Trauma proves he’s as on point as ever.

Starting with “PTSD,” Joell Ortiz dives right into his past, sharing descriptive, traumatic experiences he’s overcome that have molded him into the man he is today. Then, he transitions into another great track, “Ambidextrous.” A true wordsmith, Joell spits vicious bars before switching his writing hand and continuing with finesse. The ideas Joell conceives and executes at a high level never cease to amaze.

Joell is like another of my favorite rappers, Lloyd Banks; both are extremely talented but sometimes live and die by their beat selection. I thought, for the most part, the beat selections here were great, though. Even some of the moodier tracks, which normally wouldn’t be fully my style, are very good. Joell has the lyrics to pull off songs that might not catch me from other rappers—his lyrics just keep you hooked. Some of my favorite tracks here are “PTSD,” “Ambidextrous,” “On My Own,” “The Crosswalk,” “Never Forget,” “Thy Neighbor,” and “The Yaowa.” Of course, I have to highlight “Pen, Pad & A Dream,” an amazing song.

As much as I love Joell, he’s had a few projects I was less into, so sometimes I’m not sure what to expect. Just last year, he had one I really liked, Tapestry, and one I was less into, W.A.R., although a friend of mine loved that one. But Love, Peace & Trauma exceeded expectations and reminded me once again how dope Joell Ortiz is and the incredibly high rap level he’s reached and maintained. More people need to put respect on Joell’s name, and that even includes myself at times.

Standout Tracks: PTSD, Ambidextrous, On My Own, The Crosswalk & Pen, Pad & A Dream

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (8.5/10)