Harry Fraud Links Back Up with Valee to Discuss “Egonomics” (Album Review)

In front of us is the sophomore effort from Chicago, Illinois rapper Valee. Making his name known by releasing 3 mixtapes & a couple EPs from the span of 2015-2018, it wasn’t until one of my top 10 producers of all-time Ye or the Nazi formerly known as Kanye West signed him to a joint deal with G.O.O.D. Music & Def Jam Recordings. The next 2 EPs G.O.O.D. Job, You Found Me & Runnin’ Rich helped spread plugg music to a mainstream audience despite both receiving mixed reception to the point where he would go his own way from Thersday onward. I should also mention that Valee additionally has 2 EPs with AYOCHILLMAN as the duo The TrAppiEst as well as 2 more with ChaseTheMoney as the duo VTM & 1 with Stan Lane as the duo Vlane. His full-length debut Virtuoso produced by Harry Fraud from 2023 won me over on him as did Partridge produced by Black Noi$e & the Evilgiane-produced Grey Sky London, reuniting with Harry to tackle Egonomics.

“Numerical” begins with a vocal sample & synthesizers talking about him hitting the lottery being a miracle within itself whereas “Pocket Dial” featuring Fat Money finds the 2 flexing that the money be inadvertently calling both of them. “Cut Corners” featuring Wizz Havinn mixes soul & trap observing everyone who’s taking shortcuts rather than taking the longer route, but then “Top That” featuring D.R.A.M. makes a 180° by going hyphy.

The sequel to “Miami” lives up to the original featuring Pusha T during Valee’s time on G.O.O.D. Music while “Driver’s Ed” featuring Curren$y was a great jazz rap single to start the Egonomics rollout. “Orange Drop” featuring Sir Michael Rocks & Z Money finds the trio boasting over a sample-woven beat while “LegASee” featuring Bruiser Wolf speaks on their own respective legacies. “Dividends” lastly closes up fusing rap rock & trap to break down his lifestyle.

5 months since the Great Sky London EP expanding his sound in favor of plugg & jerk, it only makes sense for Harry Fraud to come back in the picture to make a Virtuoso sequel taking everything that made it a turning point in Valee’s career & take them to higher levels. Harry’s production feels much similar than the predecessor couple summers ago except for the hyphy & rap rock undertones with more guests than last time & most of them sticking the landing.

Score: 8/10