"Raindrops, drop tops" may not be the way people enter "culture," but it is the way many people are entering the sphere of migos for the first time. "Bad and Boujee" has proven to be the biggest rap hit of 2017 so far, with little sign of slowing down. Behind the hit single, however, is an Album ripe with evolution and contradiction as the Atlanta rap trio tries to outrun their legal struggles and enter the musical mainstream.
Overview
"Culture" is the second studio album from Migos. After a protracted delay due to battles with their label, the record was finally released to much acclaim on January 27, 2017.
Migos has had a couple of hits in their past, most notably "Versace," known for the aggressively-redundant hook. They also had "Fight Night," which proved to be a precursor to the group's desire to brawl and prove themselves in the streets, rather than with their beats. That may still be the case, but "Culture" looks to change that narrative.
Bringing their "Culture" to the masses
One of the harder aspects of listening to Migos is that they are pretty much all trap. There are some piano and guitar riffs here and there, but the trap production obscures all comers - if you don't like trap, you're going to struggle with "Culture."
That being said, the production is clean and bouncy throughout. There's never a moment on the album when everything stops, forcing a listener to consider the lyrics over the tapping of their feet.
"Culture" can be played straight through at a club and nobody would bat an eye.
It's hard to say where Migos comes off as impressive in the album. They have a cool command over each track, yet their flow skills and lyrics are pretty average. It isn't until the last track on the album, "Out Yo Way," that any of the members speed the cadence of their rhymes over a slow drive.
Maybe it's their energy. The style is outrageous, the power is contagious, and the fun is full-throttle. The whole album feels like a victory lap, a celebration of making it out of the streets. Success can alter the honesty of a man's music, but Migos seems unfazed to move in any direction other than their own.
The features on the album seem a bit unnecessary.
The idea of bringing in another artist is to switch things up while working in the same playground. From 2 Chainz to Travi$ Scott, most of the artists along for the ride on "Culture" are just solo Migos-esque rappers.
Closing thoughts
Still, the rampant amount of fun being had is unmistakable. Migos makes you feel like they have hit their apex, and maybe that have. Their "Culture" will ebb and flow, just like all phenomenon's do.
But their "Bad and Boujee" selves aren't going far.
Best Song: "Bad and Boujee" (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) - If Donald Glover thinks it's the best song ever, it's tough to disagree.
Worst Song: "Get Right Witcha" - Pretty run of the mill, even for Migos.
Album Rating: B+
