K. Michelle, All Monsters are Human | Album Review 💿

Blunt & unapologetic R&B artist K. Michelle remains true to herself on her first album post-Atlantic Records, All Monsters are Humans. 

K. Michelle has had a respectable career in the R&B game. Her major label debut album, Rebellious Soul (2013), was ‘kind of a big deal.’ Honestly, her sophomore album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? (2014), was even stronger – how did it not get nominated for a Grammy? Fast forward to her fifth studio album, All Monsters are Human, and Michelle is no longer signed to Atlantic, instead, opting to release independently.  The good news is that on All Monsters are Human, she remains true to herself – unapologetic AF.

“Just Like Jay”

K. Michelle commences All Monsters are Human with some punch with the honest “Just Like Jay.” The ‘Jay’ she mentions is the Grammy-winning rapper Jay-Z, specifically referencing The Black Album (2003) and his documentary, Fade to Black (2004). The context for Michelle? Criticism, exemplified by standout lines like “I walked away from Atlantic ‘cause they wanted me to be Mary J. / And the whole time I was thinkin’, ‘Who the hell gon’ be K?” Of course, there’s also the fantastic chorus:

“Where is the love (where is the love?) ‘Cause they not givin’ me none
What have I done (what have I done?) to make them hate me so
It’s been so tough (It’s been so tough) it made me wanna give up
Crucified for my mistakes, make me wanna walk away.”

“Just Like Jay” definitely sets the tone and confirms that K. Michelle is still very much true to self.  Just because she’s moved on from a major label doesn’t mean her artistry and characteristic sound have changed.

On “That Game,” K. Michelle remains ‘rough around the edges’ – blunt AF.  Basically, on this Drumma Boy production, she’s an angry ex.  Even so, ultimately, she’s not particularly perturbed by the end of the relationship but makes it clear that he’s a loser.  There are no shortage of memorable, if risqué one-liners, including the scathing “Got a new joystick, since you wanna play,” as well as the bold chorus, “And I hope she fucks you good / As good as my nigga fucks me / ‘Cause you found a new bitch, you could control like 2K.”

“The Rain”

As one might expect, “The Rain” has no shortage of sexual innuendo.  K. Michelle definitely ‘does the most’ when it comes to water.  Just let these words sink in: soaked, sip, drip.  Then, there are specific lyrics, like “You just may get lost in me like Nemo” and “Wakin’ you up like some Folgers in your cup.” Of course, the big question she asks is, “Can you make it rain?”, both asking about the emotional aspects of a relationship, as well as inquiring about his sexual abilities.  This highlight is gorgeously produced by the one and only Jazze Pha.  Vocally, K sounds magnificent as always.

“All the Lovers” is another respectable R&B cut from All Monsters are Human, checking off boxes regarding vocal performance and delivering another catchy, memorable chorus.  Still, for its many positives, “All the Lovers” doesn’t quite reach the elite level of “The Rain,” the crowning achievement that precedes it.  On “Something New,” Michelle returns to her sassier, more unapologetic side.  The soulful production is surefire fuel for her fire, not to mention her go to topic of sex.  On the first verse, she asserts, “And I took you from your ex, she can have your ass back.” Damn! Of course, the crème de crème is the chorus, where she expresses her needs: “I need a new whip, some new dick to help me forgive the shit I’ve been through / … I need something new, better than you.”

“Ciara’s Prayer” 

“Ain’t no Future anyway, pray the prayer Ciara prayed…” Genius, and if nothing else, pop culturally sound! If you didn’t expect a literal prayer on “Ciara’s Prayer,” you must’ve forgot this was a K. Michelle song.  Also, the reference to Ciara and Future’s former relationship was a must. The prayer arrives on the pre-chorus, and honestly, it’s not the holiest petition you’ll ever hear.

“Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray that I’m not bein’ naïve
They say that I’m OG
That’s some shit I don’t believe
Boy, you make it hard to sleep
Broke my heart, but it won’t bleed
Ain’t no future anyway, pray the prayer Ciara prayed.”

“OMG” keeps the BPMs low, delivering a lush, dramatic slow jam.  Even so, Bongo supplies K. Michelle with sleek production work, particularly the beat.  K takes full advantage, with syrupy lead vocals and rich harmonies as she passionately sings about sex.

K. Michelle is joined by City Girls and Kash Doll on the surefire standout “Supahood,” which accelerates the pace, amplifies the filth, and brings some trap flavor. The big takeaway is K and her girls need a “Hood Boy”, to quote Fantasia. Michelle takes ‘first blood,’ amping up the slang on the first verse (“Sorry, I’m not ‘bout to play wit’ you / ‘Cause if we fuck and you fuck up, then I’m a shoot”).  Yung Miami (City Girls) shines on the second verse, where she “Let him hit raw, might give a baby to him.” Kash Doll, who’s always raw, remains so on the third verse (“When bad bitches get chose, neck and wrists get froze / And them the type of nigga soak my pussy through my clothes”).  It’s explicit, but explicitly, irresistibly delicious.

“Love on Me”

“Love on Me” keeps things interesting on All Monsters are Human.  After dipping into trap on “Supahood,” K. Michelle returns exclusively to R&B.  This a sunny R&B cut at that, as she sings enthusiastically about sex (shocker).  The one problem? She’s already got a man! Indeed, “It’s gon’ be some shit to see / If you keep puttin’ your love on me.”  On “I Don’t Like You,” she misses her ex, and apparently, hates her current dude: “You gon’ fuck around and learn the hard way / I really don’t like you.” As always, Michelle is frank – she loves her f-bombs.  And for good measure, she doesn’t like her man’s family either (see the bridge).

“Table for One” seems like a logical follow-up, given the fact K. Michelle didn’t like her man on the preceding track.  As usual, she’s sings dynamically, bringing an alluring sense of drama with her ample love issues.  This piano-dominated ballad is a good look for her.  Those love issues continue on “Can’t Let (You Get Away),” where Michelle should move on from a particular guy, but she goes against seemingly sound advice.  “Mama said don’t do / Things you don’t want done to you,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “But mama don’t have a clue / There’s some things I just can’t lose.”

“The Worst” is quite a relatable way to close All Monsters are Human.  Here, K. Michelle is perturbed to see her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.  Though she claims she’s not jealous, she clearly is, and furthermore, seems to be hurt because she feels he’s perfect for her, yet he’s got a new girl.  Again, it’s drama, drama, drama, but it suits K.

Final Thoughts 

Sometimes, when you move from a major label to an indie label, things change dramatically.  That’s not the case with K. Michelle on All Monsters are Human.  Honestly, she remains true to self throughout the album, not sacrificing her artistry in the least, or the personality she’s established over several albums.  This is a well-rounded album, with some great singing, blunt, dramatic narratives, and solid production.  Not every song is a certified bop mind you, but there are no misses to be found either.  Maybe All Monsters are Human doesn’t ‘move the needle,’ but it’s a welcome addition to Michelle’s colorful discography.

Gems: “Just Like Jay,” “That Game,” “The Rain,” “Something New,” “Ciara’s Prayer” & “Supahood”

K. Michelle • All Monsters are Human • Chase Landin / No Color No Sound • Release: 1.31.20

Photo Credits: Chase Landin / No Color No Sound