Denzel Curry, Melt Session #1 | Rap BNGRZ

In the 21^st edition of Rap BNGRZ (2023), we break down the banger status of “Melt Session #1,” performed by Denzel Curry.

Bring on the braggadocio, drip, sex, and kicka$$ery, WOO! You’ve entered Rap BNGRZ territory! On Rap BNGRZ (bangers being the proper spelling), the premise is simple. Rap BNGRZ provides background info and commentary on cocky, confident, ferocious hip-hop/rap songs. The bangers can be brand-spanking-new or certified classics. In the 21^st edition of Rap BNGRZ (2023), we break down the banger status of “Melt Session #1” performed by Denzel Curry.

“Take a ride on my train of thought, fundamentals what I bought / Penniless, I await the emptiness enlightened,”  Denzel Curry raps in the opening line of the sole verse of “Melt Session #1”, a banger from his 2022 album, Melt My Eyez, See Your Future. The Floridian rapper continues, “Twenty-six years on Earth, my soul fighting / Habits that ain’t happen, my body has took a liken…” WOO! An electrifying start to the lyrical portion of the song, prior to that, the tone is set by an enigmatic backdrop. Of course, featured guest and producer  Robert Glasper helps to make the backdrop of “Melt Session #1” into a classy, jazzy, and sophisticated affair. The production consists of keys, bass, drums, and smooth, incredibly sweet vocals (non-lyrical singing) from  Bridget Perez, who wrote “Melt Sessions #1” alongside Curry and Glasper.  

Curry sounds amazing rapping over this backdrop, which is fitting for conscious performance. He gives great cadence and flow, performing with incredible agility and ease. Even so, Curry bears his soul; he’s authentic, honest, transparent, and vulnerable. One of his best moments in the verse finds him reflecting on suicidal thoughts, objectifying women, and being sexually molested as a child.   

“Dealt with thoughts of suicide, women I’ve objectified 
Couldn’t see it through my eyes so for that, I apologize
I’m just hypnotized, working hard to empathize
Strung out on love addiction and groupies when souls collide
I’ve been this way since the day I turned six
I’ve been touched before, way before I touched my—” 

It’s heavy but give Denzel Curry credit for his honesty. “Melt Session #1” is not your standard rap banger, but it is NO LESS a banger, PERIOD. You can always count on Denzel and Robert to deliver the goods! 

Denzel Curry • Melt My Eyez, See Your Future • PH Recordings, LLC / Loma Vista • 2022 

Denzel Curry, “Melt Session #1”: Rap BNGRZ No. 21 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; PH Recordings, LLC / Loma Vista; cottonbro studio via Pexels]