For Migos, the road to their Culture album has been a long and difficult but rewarding path. The release of their 2015 Yung Rich Nation album was a botched one, despite having many gems on the album. From there, the group went from a trio to a duo for a bit of time because of Offset's incarceration. Despite the lack of Offset's presence, Migos kept pushing and spawned a dance craze in the form of the "dab," which has seen everyone from professional athletes to former presidential candidates performing the dance. Once Offset was released, it was back to business for the trio as they put finishing touches on what would become Culture. The release of their first single "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert set the tone for what to expect from Migos on their new album, and the record eventually found itself at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The rise in popularity of "Bad and Boujee" skyrocketed once Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino put his stamp on the song in a Golden Globe award speech for his hit show Atlanta. However, if you know Migos and their music, then you know they had more in store beyond the hit single, which they clearly were saving for the album.
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From the opening of the first track on the album– the title track featuring DJ Khaled finds the DJ-turned social media superstar voicing the plight of Migos' struggle for the last 4 years: recognition for their contributions to culture in general. As opposed to their last album, the trio only devotes one track on the album to letting people know they need to be acknowledged for their contributions, and instead opt to focus on delivering catchy-ass hooks and memorable flows that we will more than likely hear other artists mimic soon. Tracks like "Bad and Boujee" and "T-Shirt" cement the fact that the trio have the ability to shine individually but simultaneously come together by merging their streams of entrancing hooks and adlibs.
In place of calling out those who don't acknowledge their impact modern fashion, music, and slang comes the song "Big On Big." The song addresses folks who are trying to keep up with what they are doing, even at the risk of going broke. An important line in the song which is barely spoken on by other artists is the facade of artists pretending to be independent while struggling to make money on a "360" deal.
Although there are guest appearances from folks like Gucci Mane (who was instrumental in the group's start), 2 Chainz and Travis Scott, the trio manages to make sure the attention remains on them. "Kelly Price" featuring Travis Scott is a prime example of this. Upon first hearing the open bars on the track, you quickly realize this is unlike any other joint they have released, and they honestly manage to deliver Travis Scott's hazy reverb-heavy style better than he does. This song, along with other tracks on the album show Migos' new-found penchant for allowing more spacing in between their words, creating memorable phrases that the listener can savor and repeat. The unique production plays a part as well, as it is reminiscent of the sound pushed forward by Spaceghost Purp. The Mortal Kombat-esque screams embedded in the backdrop of the beat drive this point home. Speaking of production, Culture features an all-star cast of producers including Metro Boomin, Cardo Got Wings, Nard & B, Murda Beatz, and more.
Culture is not without missteps, as joints like "Call Casting" and "What The Price" could have easily been placed on a mixtape instead. Also, ending the album with "Out Yo Way" was confusing, as the significant other-friendly track seems as if it fits better within the middle of the album. Despite the missteps, Culture's tone and pacing is ten steps beyond the unfocused ball of energy that was Yung Rich Nation. Culture is a true representation of the creativity and ingenuity flowing through Migos, and is a perfect introduction to a newly-engaged fan of the trio.
