I'll go track by track and post my thoughts. Then rate the whole album.
When I’m Gone – A lifestyle manifesto - spend it all, can’t spend it when you’re dead. An ode to American materialism if you will. Feel good track, you can imagine it at a pool party and everyone just vibing out.
On My Level – Probably my favorite track and the one I will continuously bump, being that I’m a Too Short fan I love that subby 808 sound. Wiz’ laid-back, simple flow works wonders on this track.
Black Yellow – Let’s be clear, this is the smash that put Wiz on that map nationally. This is now overplayed. But remember how much you loved it when you first heard it. So stop listening to it for a couple weeks and then play it just once to recapture that feeling. The track was produced by Stargate, a team of two Norwegian producers who are now linked to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Look out for them.
Roll Up – Another Stargate produced track. Good vibes might be on the radio but it seems like it isn’t picking up steam. I think it’s good but not awesome.
Hopes And Dreams – This is where the melodic hooks continue and the album takes a turn towards KISS FM. This track is cool to listen to when you want to chill.
Wake Up – Sounds very similar to Roll Up. The hook is pretty good. It’s hard to deny the feel-good vibes from these songs.
The Race – Musical, melodic hook, perfect for the PCH drive on a Sunday. If you’re looking for street rap this isn’t it. If you’re looking for easy-going beats, good vibes, and simple lyrics –this is it. In this song he realizes his success, reflects, and pays thanks to his friends/crew as he came up in the rap game. You can’t help but share in his success – there’s no denying his success being a product of pouring his time and energy into rap music. He’s released six mixtape albums prior to this major label release. The song ends with a wake-up telephone call from his friend in the early morning – a clear homage to the late B.I.G.’s intro to “Going Back to Cali”. Some may see it as cheesy or even disrespectful but I’m going to trust that Wiz is coming from the heart here.
Star Of The Show – “Uh, I remember the same hoes didn’t even notice us / Get you to buy a drink then it’s over cuz”. A great statement song about his success. How people change around you.
No Sleep – Lyrics are simple and playful – but it feels like I’ve heard these rhymes before. At this point in the album I’m waiting to be surprised by something different or something innovative lyrically or song-concept wise. Hook sounds tailor made for KISS FM radio play and club remixes, which is not my lane.
Get Your Shit – A break up song, stays with the same melodic hooks, guitar riffs are clearly for pop radio, it sorta works, if you accept the commercialism you may find yourself liking this song.
Top Floor – A very different intro now but… still same singy hook. When I first heard the intro sample, I thought we were going to get something like Wayne’s “A Millie” and see Wiz spaz-out lyrically. It doesn’t happen. He stays safe and keeps the slow flow. I was excited for a moment – then disappointed.
Fly Solo – Ok, interesting. Sounds almost like a Sublime track. I know most hip hop heads will quickly reject this. But if you step outside the box and forget about genres you can take a fresh look at this track. Doing that – I find myself liking this song.
Rooftops – Giving some advice about how to work the new rap game “Learn to get good show money - that’s your money / get comfortable with it”. Dope song. Hook: “Used to be not allowed in the building but now we on the rooftop, rooftop.” And the bridge: “Lot of money, lot of luggage, lot of hoes / When you putting in work, that’s how it goes.”
Cameras – It’s clear the overall statement of the album is that he’s made it. He’s successful and he’s basking in the fame now. He’s worked hard for it and he’s proud of that. He keeps a positive attitude about it all. And he’s not worried about his haters.
I wish it had at least one more Jim Jonsin track (On My Level)– or one more song something more urban to balance out the pop tracks. And also one more feature song with someone who could challenge him lyrically. Currensy and Wiz also gel well on tracks. Another one track featuring Currensy would’ve been nice. But if you want that you can check his mixtapes (see Kush and Orange Juice). They collaborate very often.
My criteria for reviewing albums:
Lyrics – are the lyrics creative? Are they well-crafted? Are the metaphors, similes, one-liners in abundance? Do they make sense? Is there internal rhyme? Are they delivered in an original way and professionally?
Content/Subject Matter – Does the artist address important topics? Is there any social commentary? Is every song about the same thing? Does the artist reflect and communicate his/her experiences and emotions in a relatable way?
Production/Beats – Are the beats banging? Does the album have an overall coherent sound? Does every song sound nearly identical? Can the artist tame every beat on his album?
Innovation/Originality – Does the artist break out of conventions? If so, does the new sound or innovative song(s) work?
Lyrics – 4/5 – mostly because his flow is melodic, and his ad-libs really capture audiences. How many people have you heard say “Yeah! Ah huh! You know what it is.”? He also sings hooks or slightly sings them. And it works because you’ll find yourself singing or humming along.
Content/Subject Matter – 3.5/5 – The weak point of the album. He reflects on his success and how he’s sharing it with the people close to him. He also drops some advice on staying afloat in the current music industry climate and that can’t be overlooked. The overall positive vibe is hard to deny. But you’ll find yourself wishing you knew a little more about Wiz other than just his lifestyle.
Production/Beats – 4/5 – You’ve got the smash from Stargate, Black and Yellow. The subby Jim Jonsin beat. Then you have these pop tracks with guitars that you might catch on the radio. Most of the songs are very musical and well-crafted. “Fly Solo” is probably the most left-field track as it sounds like a Sublime track and might have mass-appeal. That is – if people accept Wiz doing a song like this. That’s a 50-50 coin flip there.
Innovation/Originality – 3/5 - Aside from the track “Fly Solo” Wiz sticks to the melodic hook and similar subject matter.
OVERALL: 3.7/5
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