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Rating: << Either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain. >>
Among the historical figures who have contributed more than anyone to redefining the canons of the trap genre, the producer Metro Boomin is the one who has had the greatest impact, setting the path for a variety of characters who today boast superstar status. Indeed, many are the hits, mixtapes, and the most famous albums of the genre that bear his signature. A sort of Rick Rubin from the run-down suburbs of Atlanta.
Four years after the debut "Not All Heroes Wear Capes", which with extreme determination condensed the trap stylistic elements that dominated the charts during that period, the historic Atlanta producer releases a second chapter that, from the very first notes, fully convinces, albeit with some reservations.
Not that the intrinsically summarizing nature has changed, but unlike the first chapter, this "Heroes & Villains" avoids the digressions, seeking instead greater cohesion, without renouncing to an underlying transversal nature, which gives the project more facets. The instrumentals themselves refrain from the usual static minimalism to embrace a greater number of digressions, which thus make the listening experience more dynamic. Hence, in addition to the usual sterile snares and distorted bass lines, there are acidic synths and a careful selection of samples (piano and strings always present). Noir atmospheres with a cinematic flavor, perfect for one of Refn's many hallucinatory deliriums.
Guests of this luxurious event include the usual group of collaborators, well-known superstars (Travis Scott, Future, Young Thug, Don Toliver, Gunna, The Weeknd) who, with their performances, add very little to their extensive catalog. Thus, a project that finds its space in a (welcome) comfort-zone, but does not seem willing to open up to a larger number of contaminations. In short, yet another confirmation of a great talent that has contributed more than anyone to defining the trap sound, but still cannot find the courage to venture into something more daring and ambitious, that differs from the usual canons, to explore unknown pop territories.
For now, then, a welcome return.
Tracklist
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