By Alec Palombo
Seriously does this guy ever sleep? In the last calendar year, Future has released over six full length projects. The Atlanta rapper earned three number one albums in seven months, something that only the Glee soundtrack can say they’ve accomplished.
“Evol” Is Future’s fourth studio album, coming off the heels of his “Purple Reign” mixtape that released two months ago. The album was promoted last minute via social media, dropping with little to no warning via a “major key alert” from DJ Khaled’s infamous snapchat.
Future sticks to his usual routine of rapping about high fashion, his drug habits (that he’s not proud of), dealing drugs, loyalty, and the women that come with his insane level of fame these days. Even though Future lacks an amazing lyrical ability, it’s his ability to flow over the beats so well that draws your ears in. Futures unique voice is often complemented by effects such as auto tune and reverb, flowing masterfully over some of the best producers in the world’s beats.
Future is in his prime right now and is dominating the genre as far as releases go. I’m not sure you can confidently say there’s another rapper as hot as Future right now, besides that guy from Canada.
As one could expect, Future stayed in-house with his production, rapping over mostly beats from the super-producers in Atlanta. Metro Boomin, Southside, TM88, Nard & B, and Zaytoven make their regularly scheduled appearance on yet another Future project. This should come as no surprise to Future fans, as the rapper has had an affinity for Atlanta producers for most of his career.
“Evol” is an 11 track album and almost all of its songs are able to hold your attention in their own special way. None of Evol’s tracks sound the same, with beats consisting of eerie melodies in the background, overlaid with intense snares and a heavy bass. Songs like “Ain’t No Time,” and “Lie To Me,” contain tons of beautiful synth ballads and very hard thumping drums, to songs such as “Maybach,” or “Fly S**t Only,” offering stimulating guitar lines throughout a majority of the song.
A pleasant surprise to some, “Evol’s” only feature was The Weeknd, linking together on the song “Low Life.” The highlights of the tape are “Maybach,” “Lil Haiti Baby,” and “Seven Rings”. “Maybach’s” captivating guitar riffs make the song pop, although repetitive, Future’s flow actually makes it sound fresh. “Little Haiti Baby” is one of Future’s most unique songs on this album, and shows you how much he has grown in the past year. The song has heavy hitting bells at a fast rate which can get anyone hyped up, and then Future comes in with a deeper and harsher voice to make the track a banger.
“Seven Rings” is yet another banger, and sounds as if it were recorded in a tunnel. Future raps about his Atlanta lifestyle over a very catchy chorus. No album is perfect yet Future almost got away with a flawless album, with maybe two bad spots on the project. Track nine, “Program” is repetitive and didn’t really hold my attention, and definitely will not be kept in rotation. Apart from “Program,” and “In Her Mouth,” there really isn’t a song worth skipping.
Future continues his streak for the ages, capitalizing on his cult like fan base that seems to grow by the day. #FutureHive changed the course of the rapper’s career, and he has ran off with it ever since. “Evol” is a solid 3.5/5.
