Black Ken | ||||
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Mixtape by | ||||
Released | August 17, 2017 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 99:14 | |||
Label | BasedWorld | |||
Producer | Lil B | |||
Lil B chronology | ||||
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Black Ken is a self-produced and self-released mixtape by American rapper Lil B. The mixtape was officially released on August 17, 2017 and features contributions from iLoveMakonnen. Lil B described the record as his "first official mixtape" and dedicated it as a tribute to various artists such as Kanye West, Iggy Azalea, Lupe Fiasco and Charles Hamilton. [1] [2]
Although the mixtape's official release was August 17, DatPiff accidentally leaked the album a day prior. [1]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Pitchfork | 8.5/10 [3] |
Pitchfork critic Meaghan Garvey gave the record the "Best New Music" accolade, describing it as "27 tracks of deep funk and hyphy that finally define the mercurial Based God" and "a mile-marker along Lil B's journey." Garvey further wrote: "What ties Black Ken together, and what makes it not just a palatable but completely thrilling listen, like stumbling unwittingly into the best block party ever, is Lil B's production throughout—a wild but controlled stylistic breakthrough." [3]
Publication | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Pitchfork | The 50 Best Albums of 2017 | 43 | |
The Wire | Best Releases of 2017 | 47 | |
Complex | Best Albums of 2017 | 50 |
All songs produced and composed by Lil B. [7]
American rapper Lil Wayne has released thirteen studio albums, one collaborative album, three compilation albums, five extended plays, and twenty mixtapes. Wayne made his album debut in 1999, with Tha Block Is Hot, which was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. His later albums, Lights Out released in 2000, and 500 Degreez, released in 2002, attracted minor attention. In 2004, he released the first of his infamous Carter series, with Tha Carter. In 2005, Tha Carter II was released. In 2006, Wayne released a collaborative album with rapper Birdman, titled Like Father, Like Son. In 2008, Wayne released his best-selling album so far, titled Tha Carter III. Certified triple platinum by the RIAA, Tha Carter III won the Best Rap Album award at the 2009 Grammy Awards. Lil Wayne founded record label Young Money Entertainment and released a collaborative album featuring rappers signed to the label, We Are Young Money, in 2009, followed by his debut rock music album Rebirth in 2010. While serving an 8-month prison sentence in New York he released another album entitled I Am Not a Human Being, in September 2010. The next addition to Tha Carter series, Tha Carter IV, was released on August 29, 2011. In 2013, Wayne released a sequel to his 2010 album I Am Not a Human Being, titled I Am Not a Human Being II, followed by two compilation albums with his labels, Rich Gang (2013), and Young Money: Rise of an Empire (2014). After years of legal battles, his 12th studio album Tha Carter V was released on September 28, 2018. Lil Wayne released another album, Funeral, on January 31, 2020.
Brandon Christopher McCartney, professionally known as Lil B and as his alter ego The BasedGod, is an American rapper, motivational speaker, and activist. Lil B has recorded both solo and with Bay Area group The Pack. His solo work spans several genres, including hip hop, new age, indie rock and choral music. He describes his work as "based", a term which denotes a lifestyle of positivity and tolerance; and is noted for his extensive use of social media to build an online cult following. He has released a variety of albums and mixtapes, most recently Santa (2021).
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This is the discography of American rapper Lil B.
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