Lightspeed rapping has long been a staple on the Midwest scene ever since Bone Thugs were relevant back in the ’90s. However, in recent days, it’s been toned down, with only glimpses of the style in rappers like Lupe Fiasco and Freddie Gibbs, among others. But ever since the early parts of the decade, the only rapper who’s really consistently maintained this flow, in front and center stage, is Twista. A longtime vet in the game, he has stated that The Perfect Storm, differs from the rest of his catalogue because he’s learned from his prior mistakes, and gained enough experience to perfect his craft. He knows now how to balance the content on a record, along with making the right number of tracks, so the album doesn’t seem stretched or dragged on. The Perfect Storm is the product of these revelations.

The typhoon is at its fiercest in songs like, “Darkness” and “Up To Speed,” which happen to be some of the best songs Twista has ever released. The murkier beats are clearly where he thrives and his signature double time flow steals the show. His grade-A production by The Legendary Traxter and DJ Tight Mike respectively, only serves to accentuate and improve Twista by adding a little lightning and thunder in the skies. One does not outdo the other, but rather compliment each other very evenly.

The hurricane rages on with, “Back to the Basics,” that shows more of these qualities, making it a very repeat-worthy record. More of the same on the Waka Flocka Flame featured, “Hands Up, Lay Down,” and the album closer, “3 Minute Murder.” And Twist wins with another light drizzle in the same vein as “Wetter” and “Slow Jamz” with his Chris Brown-assisted R-rated flick “Make A Movie.”

Twista’s jolted rhyming, and the album’s booming production are easily the two most identifiable highlights. However, a looming lack of depth and weaker choruses prevented the storm from being completely catastrophic. When the album was good, it was fantastic, but regrettably this also worked in reverse. Further odes to the orgasm, “2012,” and, “Sweating,” become bland quickly, with more so-so rhymes and very average hooks, further working to marginalize the monsoons of his double time flow. The years of experience are indeed apparent, with the album being only eleven tracks long, and thankfully does not spread too thin. With this album, we’re reminded of Twista’s niche, but he doesn’t go the distance to expand on it.

Criticisms and compliments alike, Twista is one of the most unique emcees today, and any offering by him is a pleasant departure from the beaten and stale. The Perfect Storm is no different, and serves to be yet another solid album his lengthy list of accomplishments.