The last 5 years have been a dizzying ascent for Denzel Curry. After establishing himself as one of the leaders of rap’s new underground through early full-lengths like 2013’s Nostalgic 64 and 2016’s Imperial, the latter of which saw the Carol City, Florida native cosigned by Rick Ross and earn him a spot on XXL’s coveted Freshman list, Curry spend the last 5 years releasing 4 concept-driven full length albums that catapulted him from cult icon to one of the most celebrated names in rap. From the innovative, 3-part release strategy of 2018’s TA13OO, which highlighted Curry’s preternatural gift for melody in standout track “CLOUT COBAIN,” to the diaristic 2019 album ZUU where he detailed parts of his life previously untold in a song like “RICKY,” and 2020’s full length collaboration UNLOCKED with superproducer Kenny Beats, Curry released a trio of critically-acclaimed albums that established him as one of the most vital voices in rap.

With 2022’s Melt My Eyez See Your Future Curry demonstrated his ability to synthesize the lyrical prowess for which he’s become known with the the kind of earworm choruses of pop in songs like “Walkin” and “X-Wing.” To promote the album, Curry appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert as well as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, backed by the Cold Blooded Soul Band, delivering standout performances that highlighted the musicality of the wizened artist’s work.