Sometime between 2018’s Book Of Ryan and now, Detroit hip hop veteran Royce da 5’9 decided to follow in the footsteps of frequent collaborator Eminem and master the art of production.

What’s culminated from that addition to his skill set is The Allegory, which sees 22 new tracks from the emcee, with features from T.I., the Griselda camp (each of whom make individual appearances on separate records), Emanny, Grafh, PRhyme parter DJ Premier, CyHi The Prynce, comedian Cedric The Entertainer and more. Even with focus toward beats, Royce’s lyricism still remains his best weapon. Case in point (from the track “Thou Shall”):

“Thou shalt not f*** with Detroit and me/

Never owned a Coogi, Ford truck, or a pair of them gator Mauris/

Please hold your applause for these parables and stories/

Give all praise to Allah, to God be the glory/

My Papa raised me like I’m a dog with rabies/

Playin’ “da ha da ha” in the dropped Mercedes/

Ridin’ with the chopper daily/

Pupils dilated like I’m Sada Baby/

Nozzle on that gun larger than the one on that Gaga lady/”

When it comes to the legends, Royce’s latest contribution is definitely ensuring that he and his peers maintain a large piece of the culture in the midst of what’s being overplayed on your nearest radio station.

Press play on The Allegory below.

  1. “Mr. Grace (Intro)”
  2. “Dope Man” Feat. Emanny & Cedric the Entertainer
  3. “I Don’t Age”
  4. “Pendulum” Feat. Ashley Sorrell
  5. “I Play Forever” Feat. Grafh
  6. “Ice Cream (Interlude)”
  7. “On the Block” Feat. Oswin Benjamin & DJ Premier
  8. “Generation Is Broken”
  9. “Overcomer” Feat. Westside Gunn
  10. “Mrs. Grace (Interlude)”
  11. “Thou Shall” Feat. Kid Vishis
  12. “FUBU” Feat. Conway the Machine
  13. “A Black Man Favorite Shoe (Skit)”
  14. “Upside Down” Feat. Ashley Sorrell & Benny the Butcher
  15. “Perspective (Skit)”
  16. “Tricked” Feat. KXNG Crooked
  17. “Black People In America”
  18. “Black Savage” Feat. Sy Ari Da Kid, White Gold, CyHi the Prynce & T.I.
  19. “Rhinestone Doo Rag”
  20. “Young World” Feat. Vince Staples & G Perico
  21. “My People Free” Feat. Ashley Sorrell
  22. “Hero” Feat. White Gold