I’m excited to take a look into Louie XO’s ( Maloun Jaquay Moore) latest release, “Super Louieo 2.” As someone who spent a lot of time in Columbus, OH, where Louie XO is from, I feel a connection to this artist’s background. And it’s just so great to see all of the amazing talent from that place, and he’s one of the best. And of course, as I’ve mentioned previously, back with the EP, this is a Young Thug inspired project.
As always, what really caught my attention with this album are the numerous gaming references. As a gamer myself, I absolutely connected with Louie XO’s insider nods and just other references in general. It’s kind of like watching a Simpsons episode trying to pick up on everything. It’s not often I come across a rapper who incorporates these elements so effectively.
He’s shown talent across various aspects of his craft. I really enjoyed his previous album and the EP he recently put out, both of which I thought were phenomenal. “Super Louieo 2” seems to be continuing this trend of work.
One aspect I can’t overlook is the artwork associated with Louie XO’s material. I just absolutely love all of the visual elements he incorporates into his releases. It adds another so much to the overall experience of his music, and who he is.
Things kick off with the track “Welcome to SL2.” It’s a short and sweet introduction. What really grabbed me is the “choose your fighter” element, with Louie being selected as the character. As a huge fan of fighting games myself, this reference hit home.
I’ve got to say, this kind of nod to gaming culture is exactly what makes Louie XO’s work stand out to me. It’s like he’s speaking directly to fellow gamers and nerds. I mean, just thinking about it makes me want to go on about all the exciting stuff happening in the fighting game world right now. Take Tekken 8, for example. It’s going great, and let’s not forget about the upcoming Mortal Kombat expansion. It’s a great time to be a fighting game fan.
The track “Law & Order” (produced by Gobrazyju & Sxldner) showcases Louie XO’s ability to blend different cultural references beyond just gaming. It opens with a deep, thumping bassline accompanied by samples from the intro of the TV show “Law & Order.” And it just sort of pulls you just right into that atmosphere.
I picked up on some orchestral elements in the background, particularly high-pitched strings that fuse seamlessly with the strong bass. There’s also an cool percussion element – a ticking or clicking sound that reminds me of a time bomb, along with what sounds like finger snaps.
His flow on this track is great as well. The way he delivers his lines has an almost melodic quality to it, giving the track a really nice feel. As the song progresses, the production elements intensify in the latter half. I noticed some good vocal layering here, especially on some of the last lines where a vocal overlay comes in, effectively enhancing the delivery.
“Power” (produced by Vegas 808) shows off Louie XO’s talent for melody, especially in the chorus. He seems to have nailed what he was going for with its catchy vibe.
The beat on this one is fire. It’s not just there to back up Louie’s vocals; it’s a key part of what makes the track pop. And that’s something I keep noticing about Louie’s music – he’s got a real skill for picking beats that just click with his style. It’ just works so well. With everyone he features.
His flow on “Power” is non-stop. When he starts spitting, it’s like a word avalanche with hardly any breaks. The way he puts his rhymes together is seriously clever. I mean, who else is out there rhyming “Jeffrey” with “bestie,” or “movies” with “boobies”? It’s this kind of out-of-the-box wordplay that makes Louie stand out from the crowd right now. It’s just so creative.
As the song fades out, we get this cool surprise – a voice that sounds a lot like Morgan Freeman pops up. It’s an unexpected touch that adds a little extra flavor and even more pop culture to the track.
“Fuck what it was” (produced by Dom Kennet) marks a shift in the album’s mood. It’s got this mellow, and in a kind of strange way, somber and quiet feel to it. But don’t get me wrong – it’s just as catchy as Louie’s other tracks.
What really caught my ear is this cool, otherworldly melody playing on the keys. It’s complemented by these occasional effects that pop in and out – they sound almost like lasers, adding to that out-of-this-world vibe.
The best way I can describe it? It’s like we’ve hit the water level in Super Louieo 2. Louie’s wordplay game is strong as ever on this track. He’s got lines about having a lot of control over his women, and there’s this clever bit where he talks about her bringing the bread, which he describes as a “whole load.”
It’s these kind of creative plays on words that keep you tuned in to what he’s saying, and again just in general, his music always has a ton of playback value to catch on those nuances that you miss.
“Super Saiyan 3” (produced by Lukq Beats) wraps up the album with another mood shift. This track really highlights what I’ve been saying about Louie XO being multi-talented. His singing voice shines here, adding an extra layer of emotion to the song.
The way Louie uses his vocals on this track amplifies the emotional tone. It’s not just about the references or the beats – though those are great too. What really stands out is the creativity and raw emotion he pours into his art, regardless of the song’s vibe.
The lyrical content here hits hard. Louie mentions losing his granny and others who’ve passed on, and how she gave him the strength to go ‘Super Saiyan’. It’s a powerful way to blend personal experiences that I feel many of us will connect with.
Lukq Beats has done a great job with the production, creating a backdrop that perfectly complements Louie’s vocals and the emotional weight of his lyrics. This track really drives home Louie’s ability to switch between styles and moods while still delivering something impactful.
So, overall looking at “Super Louieo 2,” I’m struck by Louie XO’s incredible work that he puts into his music. This album, much like his previous release, has thoroughly impressed me. Louie’s creativity shines through in every track, showcasing his ability to adapt to different moods and vibes like a chameleon.
What really stands out is how Louie collaborates with various producers to create a diverse sounds throughout the album. Each track brings something unique to the table, yet the whole project feels cohesive. I mean, I know that a lot of thought and effort went into crafting not just individual songs, but a complete listening experience.
He effortlessly switches between rapid-fire verses, melodic hooks, and emotionally charged performances. And again, the way that the lyrical content ranges from clever wordplay and pop culture references to deeply personal reflections, demonstrating his range as a writer and performer.
With it being only a few days old, “Super Louieo 2” already feels like a significant release in his discography. It builds on his strengths while pushing into new ambitions. I highly recommend giving this album a listen. There’s something here for everyone, as I said, there’s just so much great versatility.
