El Cucuys gonna get ya

Out of the 2024 XXL Freshman class, I always considered That Mexican OT one of, if not the best, members of his class. Over his career, he’s dropped some projects I love, like Lonestar Luchador and Texas Technician, and ones I’m not as high on, like Sauce & Chicken and Recess. Cucuy finds a solid middle ground between everything, bringing a blend of all of That Mexican OT’s styles and influences.Cucuy (or El Cucuy) is basically the boogeyman—a name I’ve heard from my wife—and that’s how That Mexican OT attacks the mic on this October release. I really enjoy That Mexican OT’s flows and rhyme abilities, with the rolling R’s and the technicality he brings. I like his street-focused lyricism that’s never been afraid to get personal in bursts at the same time. I’d say, largely and thankfully, this is a return to form for That Mexican OT compared to his past releases, even if it still has some moments that felt like little speed bumps.

That Mexican OT has always brought influences from other genres and cultures, like country/western music and, of course, his Hispanic heritage. This time, the country-type songs utilized better elements that fit with hip-hop, more so than on Recess, for instance. Tracks like “The Sickness” with Nasaan and “I Can’t” with OC Chris brought more of an outlaw sound, which worked well. “Apple Bottom” is the toughest song to get into sonically and was my least favorite on Cucuy. Early on, there’s “TSA” with ChargedUp, a Spanish house-music song that still has That Mexican OT rapping; it’s a song I like but had to grow on me. I think I would have placed it more toward the back half of the album, as it might throw people off early on.

On Cucuy, That Mexican OT brings a dark sound with his production that works well and has that Texas knock throughout. Songs like “Izm,” “PB & J No Crust,” “Rage,” “Candy & Sour,” “Friday 13,” and “Boogie Man” all stand out from their production, but there are great songs all over this album—and even strong features from some artists I wouldn’t normally be as into, like 1900Rugrat and Rob49. “PSA” has That Mexican OT talking about the controversies in his career and how he’s still grinding through it all, while “Sore Loser” holds nothing back as TMOT says that if he loses and you get the trophy, he’ll take it and break that shit.

As a fan of That Mexican OT, I’m glad to see Cucuy get back on track. It’s not perfect and doesn’t hit the heights of LL or TT, but it straightens things out and gets me back into the headspace to be excited about more That Mexican OT in the future.

Standout Tracks: Izm, PB & J No Crust, Cand & Sour/Friday 13 & Boogie Man

Album Rating: 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃(8/10)