777 -SOPHOMORE JINX, WHERE?
Twenty-seven years after Andre 3000 proclaimed, "The South got something to say" at the Source Awards, Latto reminds Hip Hop fans that the south ain't never stopped talking; just now, the ladies are leading the conversations.
On the 13-track project, Latto doesn't just showcase her ability to talk her shit like on 777 Pt.1 & 2 and Soufside but gives Chance Tha Rapper a run for his money with her gospel-ish sounding "Sunshine" featuring Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino. I think you can count on one hand the number of curse words in this song. This track not only marks a change in sound for Latto but is the first time fans get to hear Latto flex her singing talents.
Similar to "Sunshine," Latto attempt to enter the "versatile" conversation by showcasing her singing/melodic sound on the stand-out "Like A Thug" featuring Lil Durk, the unnecessary "Bussdown" featuring Kodak Black, and the Pharrell produced track "Real One."
Latto also shines on one of my faves, the slowed-down "Sleep Sleep," which samples Twista's "Get It Wet."
MISSED THE JACKPOT
Now, I am not going to lie to you and act like I thought "777" was perfect. Latto needs to work on those hooks; they're not quite hooking for me. Also, I was not overly impressed by the sound/beat selection. With songs like "Stepper" with Nardo Wick, it sounded like a song I have heard from male rappers 1000 times already. Which reminded me that Latto said she is more unisex with her raps than the other girls. So, this song was probably made to attract that straight male fanbase.
I am still deciding if I want unisex raps from a female rapper - 🤔
There were times when the singing, like on "Sunshine," came off childish, and I wished she had used a real singer to make the song more impactful. This track did not have me thinking Latto was versatile but instead a jack of all trades expert at none. I know it's popular to have rappers do double duties as the rapper and singer no matter their singing level, but I am over that phase in Hip Hop. I am ready to bring back rappers working with real singers as we will get with the Big Energy remix. The song is still good and I totally understand the appeal because it makes you feel good, and isn't that exactly what we need, especially in times like this. So, I will be playing this song, but I feel the execution could have been better.
Where I thought Latto showed off versatility with her singing was on "Like A Thug." I was proud of her on that track.
Another thing I could have done without was the features. Besides Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino, no one male rapper overly impressed me, and Latto outshined them easily.
Oh, and this could be me nitpicking, but I hate that 777 Pt. 1. & Pt. 2 come right after each other. I don't understand that. I feel like Pt. 2 should have ended the album. "Real One" is not a strong ending, IMO.
FAVE SONGS:
777 Pt. 1 & 2
Like A Thug feat. Lil Durk
Trust No Bitch
Soufside
Sleep Sleep (fave-fave right now)
Sunshine
FINAL THOUGHTS
Latto put pressure on the girls following her, not just from an album point of view but also from a rollout standpoint. She did the interviews that fit her, even if I was not a fan of all of them. She came off as very likable and someone who can grow a fanbase. The album has no trash songs, even the songs I may not be a fan of; I get the audience they are for. Also, it does not sound similar to any other female rap album.
Most importantly, Latto did not spend 13 tracks trying to prove she could rap. That is often the downfall of great female rappers. They get so caught up in trying to rap us to death and prove what we already know that they forget to make an album that offers ebbs and flows and different moods. Latto remembered this was an album, not a mixtape.
When we talk Queen of Rap, it's time to start including the girls from the south, and Latto puts everyone on notice that she is ready for the crown.
WHAT ARE Y'ALL THOUGHTS ON THE ALBUM?
Say Sumthin, Tap The Heart, Share...Thanks!
I didn’t listen to the whole album because I’m not a fan fr. I did listen to what seems to be the most talked about songs on the album:
Its Giving: it will have to grow on me. I like that she used Santana at the end lol I wasn’t expecting that
Sunshine: I don’t see the hype. It did nothing for me. Maybe because I’m not a fan of rappers singing.
Sleep Sleep: its not for me…
I love me some latto but this was not all that great to me...
I agree on 777 pt 2 being at the end of the album, would've been a way better outro.
Sunshine was just unnecessary, Like a Thug was really annoying to me because it was just so generic sounding imo. For all that drama, Bussdown could've been left off...very forgettable
My faves: It's Givin, Stepper, Trust No Bitch
I just do not care for Latto singing & she did a lot of that on this album.
To be very honest....I don't like the project...most likely because it's male geared. Only song I liked was sunshine and honestly the male features on that weren't needed. She just isn't for me. But i am proud of her growth.