Diamond-certified and three-time GRAMMY Award-winning hip-hop icon Future continues his remarkable journey in the music industry by releasing the highly anticipated MIXTAPE PLUTO. Available now on all digital streaming platforms, this 17-track mixtape marks another significant milestone in Future’s prolific, long-standing career.
MIXTAPE PLUTO is executive produced by the renowned Southside of 808 Mafia, with co-executive production by Wheezy. The mixtape pays tribute to the legendary Dungeon Family and the late Rico Wade, featuring cover art that beautifully showcases infrared purple light radiating from the original Dungeon Family house in Atlanta. This iconic location holds historical significance for Future, serving as the birthplace of his musical legacy.
Out of the 17 tracks, there were 8 that stood out in terms of unique production choices, storytelling, and cohesiveness with the sound design of the mixtape.
“SKI” is the third track on the mixtape. Future establishes an affinity for piano here, whether it is a sample or a stern baritone note that emphasizes the bassline, like a period at the end of a sentence. This track also introduces brief intermissions of acoustic instrumentals; a refreshing element that helps build the acoustic-mechanic dichotomy of the production.
“READY TO COOK UP” continues the interweaving of orchestral elements, in addition to a bell or flute-like tone that makes an unexpected, yet delighted appearance. It comes off a bit whimsical, even. This track is an intriguing mix.
Similarly, “PLUTOSKI” offers strings, but in a more menacing manner. The first 45 seconds of the track have no bass, leaving the listener ungrounded and building tension. Adding to the unease, Future cuts his sentences short, turning the latter half of them into a mumble-moan of sorts. Perhaps it is made to represent the lyrical themes exploring drug use.
“TOO FAST” follows, which is paired with an official music video directed by Kid Art. It was filmed in Harlem, New York, capturing Future reflecting on the highs and lows of his whirlwind, chaotic lifestyle. The lyrics speak of times when he either spent money or time on someone or something too quickly because he didn’t have his current wisdom at the time.
Tracks like “OCEAN” and “LOST MY DOG” also reveal vulnerable stories from the rapper’s life of trauma and loss. In the former, he says “Every day I preach self-destruction” over the most synthy track on the mixtape. In the latter, he recalls losing friends to gang wars and hard drugs over the calmest instrumental on the mixtape, featuring a falsetto singing voice in the background. This inclusion matches and enhances the raw, emotional nature of the lyrics.
“SURFING A TSUNAMI” has some dreamy production qualities, such as a distorted guitar, and a warm, rounded synth that ascends in a way vaguely reminiscent of electronic music.
Finally, “OATH” stands out with a choral sample, tying into the sonic themes from previously mentioned tracks. There are some sparkling noises that add a subtle lightness contrasting the heavy beat.
MIXTAPE PLUTO arrived on the heels of Future’s explosive collaborations with Metro Boomin earlier this year, including the chart-topping albums WE DON’T TRUST YOU and WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU. These projects not only highlighted the duo’s seamless chemistry, as noted by Rolling Stone but further cemented Future’s place in music history with his ninth and tenth number-one albums on the Billboard 200. The single “Like That,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, spent an impressive three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making headlines across the industry.
With MIXTAPE PLUTO, Future once again makes obvious his willingness to experiment and stay ahead of the curve in rap, while staying true to himself and his story as a person. His journey from crafting novice beats in a basement to becoming a generational superstar is nothing short of extraordinary. He has not only achieved Diamond status for his quintuple-platinum hit “Life Is Good” featuring Drake but has also made history as the first artist to release two consecutive Billboard Top 200 number-one albums. His accolades include multiple GRAMMY Awards and appearances on prestigious magazine covers such as Billboard, GQ, and Rolling Stone.
As Future continues to redefine the landscape of hip-hop, MIXTAPE PLUTO stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and a hint of where the culture is headed next. For those keen to stay ahead of the trends, watching and listening to this iconic Atlanta rapper is essential.
Stream MIXTAPE PLUTO on Spotify and Apple Music now.
Find an exclusive collection of merchandise available at freebandz.com, including bundles with limited edition t-shirts, a CD, and two vinyl variants—one in black and one in green—showcasing 11 key tracks from the digital mixtape.
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