City of Rats is the debut album from the American hip-hop duo Crook$. The album, released in 2021, features a dark and gritty sound, with lyrics that explore themes of struggle, survival, and the harsh realities of life in the inner city.
The opening track, "Intro," sets the tone for the album with its haunting piano melody and ominous spoken-word intro. From there, the album takes listeners on a journey through the streets of their hometown, with tracks like "Dirty Money" and "City of Rats" painting vivid pictures of the poverty, violence, and corruption that they have experienced firsthand.
Despite the bleak subject matter, there are moments of hope and resilience on the album as well. "Survival" is a standout track that speaks to the perseverance and determination required to make it in a world that often seems stacked against you.
Musically, City of Rats is a solid effort, with atmospheric beats and haunting samples providing a fitting backdrop for the duo's raw and honest lyrics. Crook$'s flow is tight and precise, and they have a knack for crafting catchy hooks that stick in your head long after the album has ended.