L.O.U. - JOURNEY OF CHOICES (AN AWAKENED MIND) 🎤 FULL ALBUM REVIEW
- Derek Moore
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
From the jump, this project feels intentional. L.O.U, aka Let’s Obliterate The Universe, steps out of South Jamaica Queens with a real concept album centered around free will, consequences, depression, faith, and growth. This isn’t random tracks thrown together. It’s a journey through choices and what comes after them. Big O’s production keeps it cohesive, but L.O.U’s introspection is what really drives it.
Track Analysis
1. Journey of Choices (Intro)
The intro sets the philosophical tone immediately. The dialogue about free will while the cover shows different life doors is a strong creative move. It frames the entire project around choice versus destiny. Solid conceptual setup.
2. Depression on the 18th (feat. Nathan Blur)
This one is heavy and personal. Loss, demons, alcohol, suicidal thoughts, but also resilience. “The only time people listen is when I speak through the music” is a powerful artist truth. It’s dark, but it pushes survival.
3. Consequences of the Unforeseen (feat. Maze Rockwell)
This track adds backstory and growth. You hear about early grind days and missed opportunities. It reinforces the album’s theme of choices creating ripple effects. Feels reflective and grounded.
4. Avenue of Aspects (feat. Doughboy Tony, P-Rawb, Shari)
Different voices, different mental states, different temptations. This record feels like internal conflict playing out in real time. “If you ain’t never took an L and learned from it then everything is meaningless” hits hard. It’s layered and chaotic in a purposeful way.
5. Handle With Flair (feat. Frannie El, B. Chaps, Trell Money)
This one brings confidence and luxury energy. It’s about how you choose to move, not just what you do. There’s growth in saying you could react violently but choose not to. Stylish and mature.
6. The Preordained
Straight bars and philosophy. This track wrestles with predestination and fate. Less hook-driven, more lyrical showcase. It proves L.O.U can just rap when he wants to.
7. Indigo River (feat. Krea McKenzie)
Mental health is front and center here. The Indigo River metaphor feels like confronting mortality and peace. “Staying sharp with my mental health” is a necessary message. Smooth hook gives it replay value.
8. Learning Who I Am – Hold On (feat. Shari)
This feels like the identity checkpoint in the journey. After the chaos, it’s about self-discovery and endurance. The placement makes sense within the concept. Growth energy all over it.
9. Ken Ken – Skit
The skit adds realism and environment. It helps paint the backdrop of the world these choices exist in. Short but effective. It keeps the narrative tied together.
10. Shellz
This one feels tense and reflective. There’s a sense of internal warfare between survival and evolution. It fits the album’s theme of consequences. Another serious tone record.
11. Reality Hits (feat. Frannie El)
The title says it all. After the philosophy and ambition, reality steps in. It feels like a sobering moment before the close. Strong positioning late in the album.
12. An Awakening Mind – Outro (feat. Trell Money)
The perfect closer. After everything, awareness is the final destination. It feels like clarity after wrestling with life. Full circle moment.
Final Thoughts
This album stays on theme the entire way through. It’s cohesive, reflective, and intentional. You can tell L.O.U has years in the game because the writing feels lived in, not forced. This is related hip hop with substance that pushes the culture and humanity forward.
Rating: 9.6 / 10
written by
Derek “D-Sick” Moore
Rap Nerd Radio Program Director 🎙️🔥
Also check out the full video reaction! (First Time Listen)