Florida rapper, CourtesyTheBeast has gained recognition in the music scene. The album, Piquancy, has received positive reviews from his fans. Therefore, he has released the follow-up album, Piquancy 2.
Piquancy 2 released on January 4, 2021, is a 12-track collection of different styles. The genre is hip-hop. The producers for the album are Jusebeats, Riddiman, Poochibeatz, and CourtesyTheBeast.
What is the meaning and significance of the album? CourtesyTheBeast asserts that
"The definition of piquancy is a variety of different flavours in one dish, so in this case, the dish would be the album and the different types of spices and flavours would be the songs."
CourtesyTheBeast has gone on to explain the tracks on the album. He said,
"These songs are sending all kinds of messages. They are mostly personal and let the listener know where I am coming from with certain things, and what not to say to me. It is showing the listener how serious I am about becoming a hip-hop legend. It is also showing them that I am indeed a loving person, but that does not mean I cannot switch at any moment if you push my buttons."
Piquancy 2 seems to be reflecting on his journey of becoming a hip-hop legend. Moreover, it seems to have a lot of feelings shown. What else is on the album? For one to understand more, one should look at the tracklist.
The Tracklist :
the INTRO
better do your thang
can I have this dance
Lightweight featuring Lil TakeOver
the man
Psalms 23:5
Therapy featuring Ted The Poet
working all-day
oh I know
the way that it is
who is that featuring TY Donati, Karma Crew
the outro
1. the INTRO
It begins with a beat that is infectious from the onset. It remains consistent. The hip-hop freestyle is fast-paced. The track is addressing issues about fake friends, and people only supporting him when it is beneficial. For example, he is a verified artist on Spotify. Therefore, the tone of this track is serious. Within the lines, he said:
“… You tryna mimic the way I was brought up /You wanna be great but afraid of the process..”
In this part, he is probably talking about how someone wants to be successful. However, they are not willing to put in the hard work. They are probably mimicking him because they believe it is easy to be successful. It is him conveying a message to his listeners. If they want to achieve their goals, they have to put in the work.
CourtesyTheBeast is also addressing a message to the young generation of this 21st century. He said :
"There’s something that has been going on right now / In this generation and I'm about to explain /So y’all pay attention real quick /This is something they don’t teach you in class /These people don’t like you /They just want what you have / And if they don’t get what they want /They get mad /They want your success without walking the path /They want to be friends with you / Because you’re blowing up fast ….”
The way, it seems, he is warning them to be careful of artificial friends. Moreover, it is personal because he gave vivid descriptions of human actions, especially if one gains a lot of success.
The intro has given a glimpse of what to expect from the rest of the tracklist. It will not only mention personal experiences but also show life lessons to his audience.
2. better do your thang
The song has that old-school sound with the 80s sounds with a mixture of experimental beats. Drums start playing in the background, the music is upbeat and CourtesyTheBeast seems happy. In the lyrics, he said:
“I'm Courtesy yeah I'm getting down / Kicking it old school with the 80s sound / I’m nicer around the mike with the flow that is wild /They say 'can you pull it off?' / I'm a show you how…”
After some time, the beat switches during the chorus where it said, "Better do your thang", hence making the track even more upbeat. He seems to talk about success in the rap game. It is more like a celebratory song. He does not care about the haters. Instead, he is just doing his thing.
3. can I have this dance?
CourtesyTheBeast seems to have fallen for someone on this track. He said in the chorus:
“Excuse me, can I have this dance? / I know the last I never had a chance /You shine like a diamond /Just want to remind ya /Beautiful girl got me in her trance”
He seems to have strong feelings towards the girl. The setting probably takes place at a club or a party. He was likely with his friends, hence why the beat starts calm at first. When CourtesyTheBeast sets his sights on her, everything stops. Perhaps that is why the music in the background becomes upbeat. He is in his feelings to the extent his friends notice. It can appear when they said, "Who is that girl?" Mostly throughout the song, there is the repetition of the chorus. It shows how important she is in CourtesyTheBeast's eyes. It is probably personal (his personal experiences).
4. Lightweight feat. Lil TakeOver
The beat has a bass sound. In this track, CourtesyTheBeast is boasting about his success in the rap game. He said :
"I ain’t much for the small talk / I'm a boss even with or without ya, …"
Moreover, he said :
"Stepping in the place as the ground shake off / I ain't stutter boy I said what I said /This is nothing but a statement /Destination is greatness / Courtesy is amazing / Don’t even gotta say it. "
He knows he deserves greatness. He will not let haters define his worth. CourtesyTheBeast said :
Chorus
"Seeing them boys hating, that’s lightweight / Keep up with me, that’s lightweight / She don’t wanna show me, love, that’s lightweight..."
Lil TakeOver also goes hard with his fast lyricism in this track. It makes the song massively interesting.
What does the word lightweight mean? It means lacking seriousness, depth, or influence (Oxford Languages Website). Therefore, in this case, they are not bothered by what people think. They do not influence their rise to success in the rap game.
5. the man
The beat is medium loud at first. Afterwards, it becomes louder with a hook saying :
"I do what I want / Do what you can /You tryna be me first / Shout to be the man / Coz yeah I'm the man / Yeah! I'm the man"
He appreciates his success and the hard work he put in as a rapper. Since he has obtained success, certain people from his past are trying to reconcile. For instance, CourtesyTheBeast said, "Check yourself before you reconcile." He even went on to say, "Sick of congratulations, even when I know that you're hating." The track serves as a lesson because people will only support you when it is beneficial. In other words, when you obtain success, some want to benefit without working hard for it.
6. Psalms 23:5
The track seems to be significant to the bible verse Psalms 23:5. In this verse, it said, "You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim." It could mean the people who betrayed his trust. For instance, he said:
"No exceptions /You were under the impression /That you were going to try to test me / But I see you learned your lesson /Yes, indeed baby girl, you want the best in me / Better check my feeds /Haters, doubters, instigators /All part of my destiny"
There seems to be a percussion instrument playing in the background with a mixture of a percussion beat. Although he lost friends, he still has faith in God because he believes it is part of his journey. His that faith in God is so strong the extent he will not let haters, doubters, and instigators define who he is. He will continue his journey of being a hip-hop legend no matter what.
7. Therapy featuring Ted The Poet
Accompanied by fast-paced beat and fast-paced lyricism, the track is about the haters. They seem to be jealous of CourtesyTheBeast and Ted The Poet. For instance :
Hook
"I see tension all over your eyes (your eyes) / That’s probably why you're hating / If you really wanna know why (know why )/ You always be complaining / Every time you're seeing me shine / There’s no other way to say this /You need (You need) / Therapy, therapy, therapy"
Teddy The Poet also said, "…they say Teddy you're full of yourself but look all the haters pulling my belt ." He used fast lyrism throughout the track. It teaches listeners that people start hating when one is working hard to achieve their goals. It teaches one that if they want to achieve success, they need to work hard to achieve it. Therapy is addressed to the haters because they are wasting time hating on others instead of doing something worthwhile in their lives. Therefore, that is why the song is called Therapy.
8. working all-day
In the beginning, the beat seems neutral and stagnant, and then the beat switches to probably a bass sound. It is about his determination to become a hip-hop legend. He has been working all day to achieve this dream, and he will not stop. For instance, in the lyrics, he said:
"Don’t get sleep, I just take naps 'cause I've been working all day"
CourtesyTheBeast is working hard to achieve his dream and, as he said, "I don't believe in shortcuts." This is why he is working all day to become a hip-hop legend.
9. oh I know
The track seems to be talking about the haters. He knows they were saying bad things behind his back. Violin appears to play in the background supplemented by a fast-paced beat. The beat remains consistent while CourtesyTheBeast said:
“Oh I know / Of everything, they said behind my back..."
Moreover, he said :
"... Of everything, you putting me through / You thought you could bring me down..."
He knows they are hating. However, he is letting them know that it will not stop him from following his dreams.
10. the way that it is
It is one of the most emotional songs on this album. It talks about the daily catastrophes that happen in everyday life. It is intense when an electronic guitar starts playing in the background consistently. Moreover, his voice seems low as he talks about these catastrophes. CourtesyTheBeast said:
"How can you tell the mother to stop breathing / Paramedics rushing, baby girl is not breathing / Killers unidentified, she’s just another kid that died…"
The tone set in this song is sadness. As stated by CourtesyTheBeast, "It's too much in this world." He also said, "This is life just the way it is."
11. who is that featuring TY Donati, Karma Crew
With a beat that is upbeat and consistent, each rapper is going hard on the flow. All appear to be introducing themselves, showcasing talent in the rap game. For instance, CourtesyTheBeast said:
"Who is that? / What's the name? / Fresh face stepping out the plane"
It is probably a rhetorical question. It could be his way of introducing himself as "Courtesy The Beast"
Moreover, Ty Donati said :
"They call me Ty Donati ..."
While Karma Crew said :
"Karma / Know the name / It’s karma crew …"
It seems CourtesyTheBeast is in a way promoting other unknown artists. He probably believes that they deserve recognition in the rap game as well.
12. the outro
The final track of the album summarizes everything that is happening in CourtesyTheBeast's life. For instance, he said:
"Full of screenshots of lovely messages from my ex / I told her, "Those were good times, but I wish you the best."
He had broken up with his ex. The reason for the break up is still unknown.
Moreover, he said :
"Taking a 9 to 5 money, investing in myself"
He is taking time to perfect his craft. He is serious about becoming a hip-hop legend.
He also said :
"Every genuine person I come across, I'm keeping close"
Not only is he a talented rapper, but he is one of the most real rappers.
At the end of the track, there is a moment of silence. Therefore, it signifies the final track of the album, Piquancy 2.
In a nutshell, the Piquancy 2 album has different stories in various ways. It has shown stories about the haters, his journey of becoming a hip-hop legend, challenges faced in everyday life, and personal experiences. Each track conveyed a definite message to the listeners perfectly. Besides, the different beats also showcased the communication he is speaking to his listeners. Therefore, I rate the album 10/10.