Big-name rapper Quavo dropped Rocket Power on August 18th, bringing an explosive end to the summer. The eighteen-track record is brief, spanning just under an hour, but each short track is packed full of life, expression, and productive skill. Only on his second solo album, out via Motown Records and Quality Control Music, Quavo has delivered a fierce blend of collaboration and originality.
“Fueled Up” is a perfect opener to the album because it is riddled with anticipation. High-pitch noises swirl like a UFO, drawing Quavo into the mix after a few measures. True to its title, the entire first half of the song is in preparation for the electric beat drop, which catapults Quavo into his rhythm. “Patty Cake (feat. Takeoff)” begins with muted brass, an enchanting intro to a hypnotizing rap melody. Next, “Mama Told Me” plays with an ominous yet confident tension. The ad libs are breathy, and the notes are drawn out, allowing Quavo’s lyrics to spread and deepen. “Who Wit Me” is characterized by a forward passion and anthemic synth resting beneath bouncy, creative lines. “Narkedo Speaks” has both a personal and ambient element. Charged with a voice note rather than lyrics, the bottom layer of sound is an oscillating tone that reverberates this unique song in the mind long after it ends.
“Hold Me” is smooth-talking, moving with a sensual beat. Quavo’s rap has reverb vocals drifting in and out in the background, supplementing his “hold me” in the main chorus line. The mixed-beat on this track stands out as a sexy moment, enticing the listener to grab a partner and dance. The energy of “Where Can I Start” encapsulates classic rap methods and sounds. Careless and bumping, Quavo’s voice has a lift to it, undeniably having fun. “Wall To Wall” is attention-grabbing. Quite sure of himself, Quavo effortlessly communicates his perspectives. Future brightens the album with his collaboration on “Turn Yo Clic Up (feat. Future).” Blending synth and brass noises, the song accomplishes a sort of record-scratching, futuristic bassline. “Back Where It Begins (feat. Takeoff and Future)” is another shining moment of community, combining both features thus far on the album to turn out a dynamic track all together. “11.11,” the album’s eleventh song, is as synchronized and magical as the lucky number itself. The speed and heart behind Quavo’s verses ensure that he was born to make music.
“Welcome to Club Rocket Power, where every night is baked potato loaded”
Quavo, “Wall To Wall”
“Galaxy” is a funky subversion of the record so far. It has the most complicated drumline, a sort of hip-shaking encouragement. The song’s vibe comes from the heart, revealed via Quavo’s lyrical observations. Then, “Disciples” may begin with a slow note, but it quickly jumps into a melody that moves as slick as a sports car on a newly paved road. As we near the end of the album, there is a comfortable repertoire established between artist and listener, and “Disciples” is a direct example of that closing of the divide. “Focused (feat. Young Thug)” has a glamorous air to it. Young Thug and Quavo take on a laid-back approach, seamlessly joining their specialties for a sparkling result. “Stain (feat. Hunxho and Baby Drill)” is one of Rocket Power’s most addictive melodies, sanguine and thought-out. Their lyrics are deeply detailed, and each of Hunxho, Baby Drill, and Quavo’s verses is individually special without losing their collective flair. “Not Done Yet” slows down the lyrics in the chorus, and instead pushes a slow exploration of personal accomplishments. Once the point is made present, Quavo jumps into an easy-flowing verse. The penultimate song is also the title track, and “Rocket Power” truly lives up to its namesake. His lyrics flow from the happy to the sad, addressing grief alongside success and living as possibly his most personal track on the record. “Greatness” closes the show, and rightfully so. Impeccably celebratory, Quavo deserves to bask in this moment. The trumpet riffs give an extra edge, matching Quavo’s proud attitude.
Check out Rocket Power below, and keep up with Quavo here!
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