Takeoff - The Last Rocket

Takeoff
The Last Rocket
2018
Spotify

Takeoff is the last of the Migos to release a solo project this year. To be fair Offset's collab with Metro Boomin and 21 Savage was more of a collaboration, but still was the first to depart from the Migos home base. While Takeoff is probably the best rapper in the group, his verses have usually served as punctuation rather than being the main thrust of the music. This made the idea of a solo project from the Atlanta rapper seem like a bit of a stretch, but when you listen His project is the most compelling thus far. There are only two features on this album, Quavo on "She Gon Wink" and Dayytona Fox on "Infatuation". This leaves the other 10 tracks wide open for Takeoff to play around. His delivery often slick, direct and varied. On this album in particular Takeoff is allowed to experiment vocally more and change up his flow because He has more than one verse to give. While Quavo's record was supposed to be the more "pop" focused one The Last Rocket feels like it is ready for radio play right now. "Casper" has this wonderfully light beat that gets a trap makeover as the flute punctuates changes in the song. There is still plenty of adult content just in case this description made you think Takeoff was now into Disney rap. On "Casper" he mentions cumming on someone's face in the chorus so fear not.

Takeoff's lyrics really live in this exact moment, his ability to weave a tale is almost non-existent. It gives the album a very of the moment feel, but also limits is ability to be a classic. "Infatuation" which has Dayytona Fox singing the hook is in a word: rough. Dayytona sounds off key, Takeoff has only one verse and the song comes and goes leaving little impact at all. The final track "Bruce Wayne" considered an Outro closes the album well with this slow burn right up until the end. Takeoff manages to sound both unique and relatable on this record making sure his message is heard but also confirming that people are going to come back for more. This album actually proves that Takeoff might be the one who breaks out after the Migos go their separate ways, if they ever do. It is interesting to see where each of the trio go, but for now The Last Rocket seems to be the only one that't taken off. Get it?

8.0 out of 10