Detroit, Michigan emcee Courtney Bell has returned with his third studio LP, It Gets Greater Later. Following his 2018 debut 10 Commandments and the subsequent mixtape Poverty Stricken, Bell has continued to evolve under the mentorship of Royce da 5’9”. His 2024 sophomore effort, Microdose, released under MNRK Music Group, marked a significant turning point as he navigated his mental health journey, and this latest project serves as a continuation of that introspective path.
The album opens with “Wounded Healer (Book of Eli),” a soul-stirring, drumless introduction that sets a contemplative tone for the project. Bell explores themes of vulnerability and spiritual grounding throughout the tracklist. On “Stumble,” he offers a grounded reminder of human fallibility, while “He Don’t Know” shifts into a pop-rap aesthetic, delivering a narrative about self-worth in relationships. The track “Everyday” captures the grind of daily life, highlighting the struggle to maintain focus amidst adversity.
Production-wise, the album is a diverse tapestry of sounds. “Virgil” utilizes a classic, jazzy Detroit aesthetic to underscore Bell’s commitment to his path, while “Guard My Temple” incorporates sharp horns and bells to assert his artistic identity. The project also features notable collaborations, including a reunion with Benny the Butcher on “Bang” and a standout appearance from Nick Grant on the boom-bap-infused “Costly.”
Conceptually, It Gets Greater Later is rooted in the philosophy of delayed gratification. Bell suggests that true reward is often hidden until the individual is prepared to carry it, urging listeners to prioritize faith over the constraints of timing. With a soundscape that traverses boom-bap, jazz rap, and regional Detroit trap, the album stands as a testament to Bell’s maturation as both a lyricist and a storyteller.
Score: 7/10