A Great Review: Ken Carson’s Latest Album

Ken Carson’s A Great Chaos is a sonic experience that hits hard and doesn’t disappoint. From the moment the glitchy, stop-and-go beat of “Jennifer’s Body” kicks in, you can tell this album is calculated chaos, an album that feels like a journey through uncharted territory in trap music. The production, overseen by a collaborative group of talented producers from KP Beatz to Lucian, creates an otherworldly soundscape where Ken truly comes alive.

While Ken has always been known for his high-energy, moshpit-ready tracks, A Great Chaos takes things to another level. The beats are some of the hardest he’s ever rapped over, but it’s in the details—the eerie organ on “Me N My Kup” or the Lex Luger-style snare rolls in “Singapore”—that the album shines. The sonic textures feel innovative and familiar, taking Atlanta’s trap legacy and twisting it into something fresh and unpredictable. 

Ken’s delivery on this album is a huge step forward from his previous work. His voice takes on new life through a range of vocal stunts, from blunt, almost robotic chants to wild, Wayne-esque free associations. On tracks like “Nightcore 2,” he declares, “It’s not a plane, it’s not a bird/It’s X-Man” delivering lines so audaciously goofy they become irresistible. It’s clear Ken is having fun, and that energy translates directly into the listener’s experience.

Though some might critique Ken’s lyrical depth, the “bad” writing works in the context of this album’s high-octane production. Songs like “Hardcore” and “Pots” layer repetitive hooks with beats so dynamic that the simplicity of the lyrics only amplifies their impact. His ability to turn basic phrases into something larger than life is a testament to his growing influence in the rap world.

Then comes the deluxe version, which takes everything that made the original great and elevates it further. Tracks like “Mewtwo” give the album an unexpected emotional depth, as Ken taps into relationship themes that show a more introspective side. The much-anticipated “ss (Sydney Sweeny)” which had already gone viral on social media before release, delivered on all fronts with its infectious beat and Ken’s signature swagger. 

But the real gem of the album is “Vampire Hour,” an atmospheric, hypnotic track that stands out as the album’s crown jewel. Ken’s delivery is sharp and charming, with lines like “Everywhere I go, I keep a letter after J/Don’t let that shit go over your head, I keep a K” showcasing his ability to turn simple wordplay into something memorable. It’s the perfect blend of production and vocals, making “Vampire Hour” the best track on the album.

From the original tracks to the deluxe version, there isn’t a single skip. AGC isn’t just another rage-rap album; it’s a bold statement that Ken Carson has arrived as a force in his own right, no longer just Playboi Carti’s protégé. The album captures the spirit of youthful rebellion, relentless energy, and the electrifying world of the Opium label’s influence on modern trap music. A Great Chaos stands as a defining moment for Ken’s career and the next step for the rage-rap genre, a future that’s brimming with chaotic, genre-bending potential.