Tyga has already made one full–length, but thanks to his mega–hit “Rack City,” Careless World: Rise of the Last King is effectively his debut into the rap mainstream. The L.A. rapper doesn’t appear to have a distinct vision for the album; it wanders from lyrical rap to club hip–hop to R&B. If you can get past that, though, there’s a lot to enjoy here. “Kings & Queens” features Tyga and Nas shining on separate verses and, impressively, the upstart kid hangs rhyme–for–rhyme with the legend. Despite a few low points (“Faded” with Lil Wayne is a disappointing single), Careless World is an outstandingly clever, fun rap album. Even with his impressive guest list, Tyga reminds us that he has the skill, presence and charisma to be the main event on this project. Give the impeccable “Rack City” just one listen — that’s rap royalty on the mic.
3/5 Stars
