He has done that flow here and there before (see below), but seems to be doing it more so now.. well from the little output we've heard from him at least. He sounded great on Oldie and the song with Casey Veggies imo.
[video=youtube;83xlbauTpOA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83xlbauTpOA&feature=relmfu[/video]
I agree with you overall though but that said I really liked his actual verse. I wonder if his voice getting deeper just gives it more of a lack of emotion than before.
Vince killed it in my opinion but I thought everyone came correct on the song.