Royce Da 5'9's new album The Allegory is upon us, an entirely self-produced effort boasting features from the Griselda trifecta, Vince Staples, Grafh, and fellow Slaughterhouse alumni KXNG Crooked. A mini-Slaughterhouse reunion is staged on "Tricked," a track that finds Royce and Crook dead set on airing out the truth as they have come to understand it. Over a slick self-produced groove, Royce reflects on the perils of the major label record model. "Only thing they takin' is your publishing, watch you make mistakes in the court of public sin," he raps, a warning to those enticed by the allure of the big leagues. "Got you concentratin' on hittin' the club, gettin' spins."
While many have taken to Royce's Allegory fondly, early responses point to this being his most controversial album thus far -- largely in part due to a few anti-vaccine sentiments. During his verse, well-constructed and technically sound as expected, he raps a few lines that have left some of his fans in a shambolic state -- the aforementioned court of public sin at work. "From day one at the hospital, they target our children, say they gonna immunize 'em they somehow get autism," he raps, sparking a narrative that has already threatened to loom over the project's many accomplishments. Given the incendiary nature of the topic, it will be interesting to see whether Royce ends up addressing his stance in the hours to come.
Either way you stand, there's still plenty to unpack on The Allegory. Be sure to check out the project right here and draw your own conclusions.
Quotable Lyrics
Tricked, this is why I don't fuck with them
Only thing they takin' is your publishing
Watch you make mistakes in the court of public sin
Got you concentratin' on hittin' the club, gettin' spins
Ballin' off of your budget, that's at your expense
Your A&R spendin' five, they deductin' ten
