Bay Area veteran and Hieroglyphics member Casual returns with his seventh record He Still Think He Raw, the title a callback to his 2001 record He Think He Raw. This latest record has the emcee doing what he does best: delivering solid battle rhymes and boasts over West Coast-tinged beats hooked up by producer DJ Fresh, and featuring a mix of Left Coast emcees such as Mistah F.A.B. and Young Gully.

Casual wastes no time announcing that he’s back, as the album kicks off with “Rock My Shit” — a jam which carries a spacy beat with snappy drums and a hyphy-like influence. “I’m not one of these wannabe G’s,” Casual raps, mentioning “You perform rap shows, we perform rituals!” It’s a strong open and sets the stage for the record nicely.

He Still Think He Raw shines when Casual is on his grind, knowing he’s the shit and letting the world know about his talents and the power of the Hiero camp. “Shine” is bright and open; a real summer track sporting a soulful feel and excellent vocal sample, with lyrics about striving and surviving. Cas tells us on the on the hook that even “if the sun don’t shine tomorrow, my niggas still got enough shine for tomorrow.” “12354” is dramatic and imposing with fellow Hieoglyphics members Opio and Pep Love each hopping on for dope verse. Opio steals the show with lines like, “Feel the pressure as I energize and rise to the cosmos / Breaking atoms like my middle name was Large Pro.” The Mr. Town-assisted “Sushi” is an island-like, playboyish affair with lavish instrumental breaks. It’s all about getting the wealth and the women, being “hella sushi,” as Casual puts it. “Living Casual” closes out the record with some ultra-smooth player shit, reigning supreme with its smooth hook and easygoing feel.

Aside from the bragging, Raw has Cas going into personal matters as well as some storytelling, looking at the lows as well as the highs. “Round Here” covers the trappings of excess and fame as Cas advises to watch your back because dudes are thirsty and will come after you. “Mama,” featuring The Grouch, has the pair reflecting about their mothers and the desire to do them proud, even though they aren’t perfect. Grouch raps: “She always hoped I’d go to college I teased her, I’m at UC-What You Get, I’m a leader.”

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