Jersey Rapper Willie Maxwell II took the clubs by storm with his 2014 single “Trap Queen”. It has been over a year since the single’s release and drunk girls everywhere are still requesting it at bars and parties. But that’s the beauty of Fetty Wap’s self-titled debut album; it openly embraces the pop appeal while still maintaining a strong rap sound. “679” is another top ten single that achieves maximum catchiness with vast amounts of style and charm. There’s no escaping it; Monty’s sing-songy verse in “679” will find its way into your head and set up shop. Featured on six tracks, Monty is Fetty Wap’s partner in crime and together the Remy Boyz bring authenticity and charisma to the mainstream.
Remy Boyz’ allure lies in the presentation of their pop jams. Multilayered beats, foreign musical methodologies and honest thoughts are hidden beneath lively club bangers. “I’m Straight” features a Caribbean style beat with fruity pan drums and “Couple Bands” boasts an abstract beat made primarily from sound filter effects. The album is filled with tracks that catch and sustain your attention to the very end. Fetty Wap’s gritty vocals are surprisingly satisfying atop the soft, hip hop beats, adding the distinctive flavor that fans crave.
I also found it interesting that the majority of the content on Fetty Wap is about finding a ride-or-die chick and doing everything possible to please her. In the pop record “D.A.M.”, Maxwell proclaims “I treat my girl like a queen, she gets whatever she needs”. The tone gets even sappier when Remy Boyz pair up for “Time”, a love ballad emphasizing the value that a wholesome, goodhearted female can add to a man’s life as the chorus croons “Trying to show you how much I love you, how much I care”. If you listen closely to the lyrics, just about every song on the album carries a similar message. The Remy Boyz are unexpectedly sensitive, with their ability to disguise songs full of feelings and emotions in a way that’s catchier than it is whiny.
Although several songs share a similar demeanor, the familiarities do not appear to be a product of laziness. The filtering, autotuning, and constant snare and hi-hat switches are a sign that Maxwell and his team have been putting in work between the “Trap Queen” release and now. It is evident that it took a good amount of time to achieve the non-replicable sound that is Fetty Wap.
Rating: 7.0/10
