Learn_N_Grow85

Album Review That Mexican OT - Cucuy Out of the 2024 XXL Freshman, I always considered That Mexican OT one of if not the best member of his class. Over his career he’s dropped some projects I love like Lonestar Luchador & Texas Technician, and ones I’m not as high on like Sauce & Chicken and Recess. Cucuy finds a solid middle ground between everything, bringing a blend of all of That Mexican OTs styles and influences. Cucuy or El Cucuy is basically the boogeyman, a name I’ve heard from my wife, and that’s how That Mexican OT attacks the mic for this October release. I really enjoy That Mexican OTs flows and rhyme abilities, with the R rolls and the technicality he brings. I like his street focused lyricism that’s never been afraid to get personal in bursts at the same time. I’d say largely and thankfully, this is a return to form for That Mexican OT compared to his past releases that still has some moments that felt like little speed bumps. That Mexican OT has always brought influences from other genres and cultures like country/western music and of course his Hispanic heritage. This time the Country type songs utilized better elements that fit with Hip-Hop, moreso than Recess for instance. Like The Sickness with Nasaan, I Can’t with OC Chris, they brought more of an Outlaw sound which worked well. Apple Bottom is the toughest song to get into sonically, and was my least favorite song on Cucuy. Early on there’s TSA with Chargedup which is a Spanish, house music song what still has That Mexican OT rapping and is a song I like but had to grow on me. I think I would have placed the song more toward the back half of the album, it might throw people off early on. On Cucuy, That Mexican OT brings a dark sound with his production that works well and has that Texas knock throughout. Songs like Izm, PB & J No Crust, Rage, Candy & Sour/Friday 13 & Boogie Man all standout from their production but there’s great songs all over this album. And even gives from some artists I wouldn’t normally be as into like 1900Rugrat & Rob49. PSA has That Mexican OT talking about the controversies in his career and how he’s still grinding through it all. While Sore Loser holds nothing back as TMOT says if he loses and you get the trophy, he’ll take it and break that shit. As a fan of That Mexican OT, I’m glad to see Cucuy get back on track. It’s not perfect and doesn’t hit the heights og LL or TT, but straightens things out. And gets me back into the headspace to be excited about more That Mexican OT in the future.