Post by StevePulaski on Jul 31, 2015 12:30:28 GMT -5
Yung Rich Nation (2015)
By: Migos
By: Migos
Rating: ★★★
The belated release of the Atlanta-based rap trio Migos' debut album Yung Rich Nation (also known as Y.R.N.: Tha Album) comes at a time when the hype behind the Migos has simmered considerably, following the monstrous success of their singles "Hannah Montana" and "Versace" and the ongoing imprisonment of their member Offset in present day. Even some of the most acclaimed rap groups like N.W.A. had a hard time maintaining long term success, so the fact that the Migos managed to get their debut album out at a time when their music doesn't gain a fraction of the airplay it used to is a commendable feat. However, if the stars align and the public reacts in a way that defies predictions, there may still be some gas in the Migos' tank after all.
Given that the aforementioned singles were little other than repetitive, often cloying dance hits that garnered airplay because of their inherent infectiousness, it's surprising to say how much of Yung Rich Nation is experimental and inclusive of variety. The Migos' transcend their predictable boundaries two of the three opening tracks (we can pretend "Dab Daddy" doesn't exist), "Memoirs" and "Migos Origin." The former track is more about content than stylistic flair, as it has each of the Migos recalling past experiences, such as running from the police and getting busted for marijuana plants, whilst the latter is a more flow-conscious tune that spells out the unlikelihood of these three misfits ever making it big.
The album persists on with tracks like "Highway 85," the album's true winner, a cross between Eazy E's "Boyz N The Hood" and Slick Rick's "Children's Story," about a high speed chase between the police and the Migos following a dispute about marijuana, in addition to the melodic "Just for Tonight" with Chris Brown. "Gangsta Rap" takes on the nineties style instrumentation and flow and mixes it with the Migos' fast-paced, southern flow, inspiring fairly adequate results, "One Time," released before the album, is another melodic stroll through repetition and instrumental flair that works because of its infectiousness (one of the first tracks for the Migos to do so), and "Trap Funk" infuses funk influence with traditional trap sequencers and synthesizers.
The amount of experimentation occurring here is much more than I could've ever foreseen from an Atlanta-based group that got rich and famous by repeated the title of their song dozens of times over the course of three minutes, but the Migos prove with Yung Rich Nation that they are the real deal, for the most part. They are unafraid to experiment with pioneering styles, funk influence, and traditionalist styles whilst carrying over their own unique flows and vocals. Songs like "Pipe it Up," however, brutally contradict the Migos' intentions here, as that particular song tries so very hard to lay the slang "turnt up" to rest in favor of "pipe it up" or "piped up." Also on the quick-to-forget list is "Spray the Champagne," which, alongside "Dab Daddy," is a pitiful blend of repetition and generic instrumentals. However, even though these songs are more "Hannah Montana" than it is "Highway 85," there is undeniable humor embedded in the tracks. Consider the following line from "Pipe it Up:" "You know I do magic, Quavo Houdini, I touch the pack and get it missing."
Migos' Yung Rich Nation, with a few positive reviews recognizing its craft, some fan love/promotion, and some requested airplay, could very well be the sleeper album of the year. It's already one of the most impressive mainstream hip-hop efforts of the year in my book.
Recommended tracks (in order): "Highway 85," "Migos Origin," "One Time," "Memoirs," and "Trap Funk."