Wordsworth & Stu Bangas - Chemistry (2026)
This is solid, grown-man boom-bap — but it rarely rises above that. Wordsworth is sharp, technically locked in, and clearly still cares about the craft. Stu Bangas gives him exactly what you’d expect: dusty loops, hard drums, a slightly grimy East Coast backbone. The chemistry is real in the sense that nothing clashes. But that’s also the ceiling — nothing really surprises either.
I appreciate the discipline. No trend-chasing, no glossy hooks, no forced crossover moves. Still, once the initial respect factor settles, I’m left wanting a stronger arc or at least one moment that genuinely elevates the album beyond “well-executed underground rap.” It’s consistent. It’s credible. It’s just not essential.
Pros
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Veteran lyricism – Wordsworth’s pen is precise, layered, and technically confident throughout.
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Cohesive production – Stu Bangas keeps the sonic palette tight and gritty without overcomplicating it.
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No filler gimmicks – The album stays focused on bars and beats, no unnecessary trend padding.
Cons
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Low innovation factor – Feels rooted in tradition without pushing the sound or structure forward.
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Few standout peaks – Strong consistency, but no track that truly explodes or reframes the album.
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Monotone energy curve – Similar tempo and mood across tracks reduces replay gravity.
Genre: Hip Hop
Country: US
Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 29th / 150
Highlight: It Aint Over
Made me think of:
Masta Ace
Apathy
Sean Price
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