Lil Durk’s Studio Album Review, “Almost Healed”

Lil Durk is no stranger to grief and distress. At just 30 years old, Durk has experienced a magnitude of violence equitable to a war veteran. But through the turmoil, the Chicago superstar still manages to be the face and “The Voice,” of his urban community. The composition of the project intentionally allows listeners to sit in on an open therapy session with Durk Banks. We are welcomed by the soft and calming voice of R&B singer Alicia Keys on the album’s opening number “Therapy Session.” Keys comes in with a simple, yet warm “Hi Durk,” immediately bringing the shoulders down and focusing in on the conversation.

Alicia asks Durk how he’s been coping with the loss of his friend/OTF member King Von and his older brother D-Thang. She furthers by asking, how he’s dealing with constantly being thrown into rap beefs. The short 1:27 second therapy session is just a prelude to how the rest of the album will progress. Durk uses all 21-tracks to thoroughly answer Key’s questions and questions for his fans.

“Almost Healed,” is an explorative passion piece surrounding  Lil Durk and his journey to healing.

Dating back to 2012, Durk has given listeners a first person view of his life and experiences growing up on the Southside of Chicago. His previous album “7220 ” took us to his home. The album was named after his grandmother’s address, 7220 S Halsted St, where he became the man we’ve come to know as Lil Durk. He continues the trend of reflection and introspection on his latest project “Almost Healed,” with songs like “Pelle Coat,” leading single “All My Life,” featuring J. Cole, “Cross The Globe,” featuring Juice WRLD, “Moment of Truth,” “Belt2Ass,” and “Sad Songs.”

During the project Durk shifts gears from reflection to sending direct shots at his oppressors on tracks like “Never Again,” “Same Side,” featuring Rob49,  “War Bout It,” featuring 21 Savage, “B12,” and “Grandson,” featuring Kodak Black. It’s no secret Durk has his own share of relationship woes that he openly expresses on tracks like “Dru Hill,” “Stand By Me,” featuring Morgan Wallen, and “At This Point We Stuck.”

The album exudes growth and was a much needed mental health check-in from our boy. Overall we would rate “Almost Healed,” an 8/10. A perfect  wrap up of Durk’s Tumultuous pilgrimage to peace and refuge.

 

 

 

Take a listen to “Almost Healed,” below.