The RX, Uproxx Music’s highest accolade for the best music of the year, has been awarded to Quavo’s latest solo project, Rocket Power. This comes after the dissolution of Migos, the group Quavo was part of alongside Offset and Takeoff. Although the split was due to internal conflicts, the death of Takeoff has left a void in their music that even a reunion between Quavo and Offset can’t fill.
Quavo’s 2018 solo debut, Quavo Huncho, didn’t show much promise for his solo career. However, Rocket Power demonstrates significant growth in his music. He appears more engaged and has enough content outside of his usual themes of wealth and gang life to sustain most of the album’s 17 tracks. This includes the recent tragic death of his close friend and bandmate, Takeoff.
Over the past five years since Huncho, Quavo has had time to refine his craft. He’s also experienced a public relationship and breakup with fellow rapper, Saweetie. These life experiences have contributed to his music, adding depth and complexity to his albums. Despite previously being considered third in terms of technique within Migos, Quavo’s new album shows a marked improvement.
Rocket Power features fewer guest artists than his debut album, with appearances mainly from Atlanta natives such as Future and the late Takeoff. Younger artists BabyDrill and Hunxho also feature on the track “Stain,” demonstrating Quavo’s willingness to mentor the next generation of Atlanta’s rap talent. Despite the reduced number of guest artists putting more pressure on Quavo to hold the listener’s attention, he manages to do so for most of the album’s runtime.
Quavo’s new album showcases a newfound vulnerability in his music. Tracks like “Mama Told Me” and “Greatness” provide a more detailed narrative of his rags-to-riches story. While his celebration songs still feature his knack for catchy hooks, it’s the more introspective tracks like “Rocket Power” that really stand out. With this album, Quavo gives us a glimpse into his personal life, making his music more relatable and giving us more reason to follow his journey as he keeps Takeoff’s memory alive.
Rocket Power is now available via Quality Control Music / Motown Records.
Source: uproxx.com