Quickly following his March 2020 debut,
- TRAGEDY +, Florida-based rapper $NOT released the Billboard 200-charting
Beautiful Havoc in October. Sticking to the same format of 12 songs in just under half an hour, the album is a moody yet focused set of intense, honest reflections on depression and violent impulses. His rapping can be volatile as well as vulnerable, and his emo-tinged cadences flow over atmospheric trap beats that surprisingly incorporate touches such as flamenco guitars ("Who Do I Trust") and somewhat playful melodies ("Like Me," with a guest verse by
iann dior).
Denzel Curry delivers a standout verse on the sneaky, flute-driven "Sangria," and
Flo Milli adds a refreshing shot of exuberance to "Mean," which rides an intriguing violin sample. $NOT's undeniable energy complements the album's creative production choices. ~ Paul Simpson