Future - I NEVER LIKED YOU
Image 1 courtesy of GQ, image 2 courtesy of Epic Records.
I NEVER LIKED YOU is one of my favorite Future albums. Released on May 2nd, 2022, it encompasses all of my favorite aspects of Future’s music. While the album integrates many styles not normally associated with Future, such as RnB, the general feel of the album is refreshingly energetic and exhilarating. The album begins with an eerie instrumental intro. Future then enters with a head-banging flow, reasserting himself as a titan of hip-hop; a “God on the earth” in his own words.
This being his first solo album since High off Life in 2020, Future has a lot to say. He begins the album by recounting many experiences of his ridiculously lavish lifestyle, incorporating a feature from Kayne. The energy builds to the climax of the album, in my opinion, “GOLD STACKS”. This crazy high-energy track embodies my favorite aspects of Future’s music - his inspiring confidence as an industry goat combined with the struggles of his past are clearly evident in this high-energy track, creating an adrenaline-inducing experience.
The album then switches to a more laid-back and introspective vibe, with the songs “WAIT FOR U” and “LOVE YOU BETTER”. The latter is an especially emotional track I wouldn’t normally expect from an artist like Future; I was both surprised and impressed by its emotional depth. The album then transitions back to his ‘status quo’, so to speak, very quickly. “MASSAGING ME” is a very different experience than the previous two tracks. The album then ends with songs using Future’s signature, more fast-paced style.
712PM [prod. Stefanccino, MoXart Beatz, DJ Moon, TM88 & Wheezy]
Great intro to the album, incorporating an eerie beat and entering the album with an addictive flow.
I’M DAT N**** [prod. Slowburnz, DY Krazy & Southside]
This track extends the energy from the first track, with a simple yet effective beat paired with another catchy flow from Future.
KEEP IT BURNIN (feat. Kanye West) [prod. DB & ATL Jacob]
Kanye adds his unique style to this track, creating an addictive, diverse track.
FOR A NUT (feat. Gunna & Young Thug) [prod. YOAJM & ATL Jacob]
This fast-paced track incorporated Gunna and Thug’s unique styles into the equation. This reminded me of Future and Thug’s SUPER SLIMEY.
PUFFIN ON ZOOTIES [prod. Nils, TooDope & TM88]
This song is slightly slower than the first three, but is still super energetic, Future has a killer methodical flow throughout.
GOLD STACKS [prod. DMC Global]
This track is just cold: Future’s aggressive and fast-paced flow is unmatched.
WAIT FOR U (feat. Drake & Tems) [prod. FNZ & ATL Jacob]
Drake’s energy is perfect for this chill RnB track.
LOVE YOU BETTER [prod. Jayla Darden, FNZ & ATL Jacob]
This emotional RnB song by Future was a welcome surprise on this album.
MASSAGING ME [prod. Bonesxspitta & ATL Jacob]
This short high-energy track is perfect for a party.
CHICKENS (feat. EST Gee) [prod. Dez Wright & Wheezy]
This dark melody is a perfect fit for Future’s relentless, methodical flows on this track.
WE JUS WANNA GET HIGH [prod. Southside & ATL Jacob]
I love how well Future’s verses ride this beat: 808 mafia goes off on this one.
VOODOO (feat. Kodak Black) [prod. Henney Major & Southside]
This slightly more melodic track is a great place in the album to feature Kodak and his unique style.
HOLY GHOST [prod. ATL Jacob]
This dark, dissonant beat compliments Future’s flows very well.
THE WAY THINGS GOING [prod. Daanmakesbeats & TM88]
This catchy melodic beat reminded me of some of Polo G’s music, but the similarities end there: Future’s vocals are very unique, as well as very soulful here.
IM ON ONE (feat. Drake) [prod. Torey Montana]
Future and Drake are great collaborators for this dark beat. This synergy creates an absolutely cold piece of music.
BACK TO THE BASICS [prod. JOY., SprngBrk, Bass Charity, Dre Moon & Wavy]
This track goes back to the RnB style present earlier in the album.
NO SECURITY (feat. Babyface Ray) [prod. ATL Jacob]
This fast beat contributes to some catchy flows from both rappers: their styles synergize well.
LIKE ME (feat. 42 Dugg & Lil Baby) [prod. HitmanAudio, Julien Anderson]
This beat is a great fit for Baby. I liked how the three artists passed each other the mic several times throughout the track.
AFFILIATED (feat. Lil Durk) [prod. TM88, Too Dope, Akachi]
I love the dark beat, and Future delivers some insane flows over it. I love that Future begins the track with: “I’ve been counting money so long it make my hands ache”. Cold. Durk’s verse is equally hard. Very strong track on the album.
STAYED DOWN (feat. Young Scooter) [prod. YOUNGERNEXTLIFE & ATL Jacob]
The flows from both rappers on this more laid-back track were a good change.
WORST DAY [prod. Wheezy, Taurus, Jasper Harris, Russ Chell]
The more emotional vibes of this song are a nice bit of variety, and the catchiness of this song makes it appealing to a larger audience.
JUST THE BEGINNING [prod. JTBeatz & Taurus]
This fast-paced song was a great ending for one of my favorite Future albums.
This album is a testament to Future’s long-standing status as an industry heavyweight. He keeps up with the scene while maintaining a very unique style and persona that keeps fans coming back for more. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and look forward to more music from Future soon. Thanks for reading.
