Fun fact: a guy named Nayvadius D. Wilburn wrote Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love” and recorded his version of the song before she did. As much as I want to refer to the artist as “Nayvadius” for the rest of the article, you probably know him as Future. Yes, this is the same guy who has that “Tony Montana, Tony Montana” song. This is also the same guy who did the iconic choruses to Ace Hood’s “Bugatti,” Lil Wayne’s “Bitches Love Me” and Rihanna’s “Loveeee Song.” Known for his warbling voice and catchy hooks, “Fewtch” has carved himself out a snug little niche on Top 40 Urban radio. However, anyone who sees him as just a gimmick is sorely mistaken, because his solo work is top–notch.
Future was originally huge in the Atlanta club scene and on a few mainstream hooks (racks on racks on raaaaaacks) and first broke out as a solo act on a national scale with “Tony Montana” and “Magic.” It’s not too difficult for a dime–a–dozen rapper to get a catchy song on the radio, but putting together a solid full project is another story. Future’s “Pluto” proved that he could do that, with a solid combination of bangers like “Same Damn Time” and love songs like “Turn on the Lights.” At times, hip–hop can be a genre full of fads, but Future’s first album was consistent throughout and proved that he wasn’t just lightning in a bottle.
While no one can argue against his music being catchy, some feel that it’s lacking in substance. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He has candid songs about drug use like “Substitute Everything,” power ballads like “Truth Gonna Hurt You” and triumphant joints like “You Deserve It.” He might be known for the club bangers, but the self–proclaimed “Honest” MC can go deeper than that.
All of this is without his latest album, released on April 22, called “Honest.” Originally set to be titled “Future Hendrix,” “Honest” has Future doing what he does best while also expanding his boundaries. He expands his beat selection on the new album and proves to be even more versatile than was originally thought. The intro, “Look Ahead,” which samples Santigold, has one of the hardest–hitting beats I’ve ever heard. He works with top–tier acts like Drake, Kanye West and Andre 3000 on the album, which only adds to his credibility. There’s no way that all three of these guys would show up on a one–hit–wonder’s album.
Fewtch has something for every situation. “Bugatti” could be played at your next frat party (and definitely was played during NSO). “Neva End” could be played while celebrating cuffing season with your boo thang. “Move That Dope” could be blasted out of your car speakers, or just played to hype you up at Pottruck. I was pleasantly surprised when one of my friends got me to listen to “Pluto,” and I think you will be too. I’m just being honest.
Want to know what else you have to listen to?
