King Magnetic Releases 3rd Solo LP “Third Time’s a Charm” (Album Review)
King Magnetic is a 46 year old MC from Allentown, Pennsylvania known for being 1/2 of the duo King & The Lost Cauze as well as a former member of the Army of the Pharaohs collective. Branching out in his own with the Everything’s a Gamble mixtape trilogy, he made his solo debut in the summer of 2015 with Timing is Everything which holds a special place in my heart since it came shortly following my high school graduation. Everything Happens 4 a Reason came in the spring of 2017 followed by the debut mixtape Back in the Trap & the Tone Spliff-produced sophomore tape Nobody’s Safe, the latter of which came after Magnetic’s departure from AotP due to a falling out with Vinnie Paz. Last we heard from him was a few summers ago when he dropped a 4th installment of the Everything’s a Gamble series & is returning for his 3rd album.
The title track produced by Tone Spliff is this boom bap opener starting a new building for the next floor of rap whereas “Money Call” maintains a dusty edge instrumentally delving into his business ties. “Keep One on Me” featuring Big Remo brings a soulfully raw vibe to the table courtesy of Khrysis explaining why they stay strapped while “Every Single Day” jazzily tackles the hardships of each passing day giving thanks to God.
“Rah Rah” featuring Kool G Rap brings the 2 together over this grimy beat bringing it hardcore together just before “POS” throws it back to the Back in the Trap era & I don’t mind since it’s a reminder that Mag can murder trap instrumentals too. “Where You From?” featuring Ill Conscious heads for a summery approach representing their respective home turfs, but then “Warrants” featuring John Jigg$ flexes they still out here over a soul sample.
After the Jake Palumbo remix of “Gun Charge” which I like more than the original, “Good Day” featuring Tug McGraw & Twin Gambit returns to the boom bap telling listeners that every day is good in their books while “Trust Issues” featuring Twin Gambit addresses the topic at hand over a piano flip. After the “Family Discussion” interlude, “Slow Motion” ends with Ka$h sampling some dirty south shit throwing kicks & snares in the fold getting it how he lives it.
Nobody’s Safe as a mixtape has to be right behind his first solo LP from almost a decade ago as my personal favorite in his discography although I’m sure anyone who is familiar with King Magnetic will find themselves enjoying 3rd Time’s a Charm. The guest-list is fine including a few standouts, the production is versatile whether it be boom bap or trap and dirty south & the Pennsylvania lyricist keeps it rockin’ for 40 minutes.
Score: 7/10
