Tory Lanez released two mixtapes at the beginning of 2017, one of which is “Chixtape 4,” known for its vintage R&B-inspired sound.

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 TOP 5

5. Need A Girl

“Need A Girl, Pt. 2” > “Need A Girl, Pt. 1.”

“Need a Girl” is a remake of the classic track, “Need A Girl, Pt. 2,” by Puff Daddy and Ginuwine. In it, Puff laments not being able to find a woman like J-Lo. Since then, Drake has found a woman similar to J-Lo, and Puff is now shamelessly fantasizing about being a fly on the wall in their relationship.

You get so much passion from Tory Lanez in “Need A Girl.” Throughout the song, he begs and pleads his ass off, ultimately sounding like a dude that needs a transplant as opposed to a girl. Dammit, can someone get this negro a girl, please?!

4. 1 Call

All Tory needed to do was give us better vocals than Jason Weaver to win “1 Call” (I’m not sure he did).

In “1 Call,” Tory Lanez somehow manages to keep up with this uptempo beat (That flips Chingy and Jason Weaver’s “One Call” beat) while delivering impressive vocals. Do you know how hard that is?

Out of all the songs on this Mixtape, “1 Call” sounds most like the original. As a matter of fact, you can hear Chingy’s original ad-libs on the chorus.

3. Slow Grind (Ft. Jacquees)

Random thought: When Pretty Ricky said “Grind With Me,” that s**t never made sense to me.

Tory Lanez and Jacquees deliver top-notch performances in “Slow Grind.” Set against a chopped-up version of Pretty Ricky’s “Grind With Me” beat, the two artists hit us with mesmerizing and smooth vocals that perfectly complement their intimate lyrics. Based on how vivid their verses sound, I would guess Tory and ‘Quees were in the studio touching on every part of their women while making the song.

It’s scary how similar Jacquees sounds to Pleasure P in this track.

2. Slow Down

Very little is taken from the original “Slow Down,” making this more of an original song than a remake.

“Slow Down” feels like a heightened, R&B-infused version of Tory Lanez’s “Flex” from his I Told You album. The two songs feature similar distorted sounds, with Tory delivering his vocals in a smooth and confident manner.

In “Slow Down,” Tory tells his girl that he can spoil her while also acknowledging her dark-skin beauty. He’s clearly trying to win boyfriend of the year in the eyes of Dr. Umar.

1. Proud Family

If you weren’t aware of Tory Lanez’s singing skills, “Proud Family” will change your life.

“Proud Family” delivers the depth I crave from Tory Lanez. It’s reminiscent of his track “I Told You,” where he speaks about his loyal partner who stood by him through tough times. This song is another ode to that same unwavering support.

I love how touching Tory’s vocals sound in this track. Every word he delivers feels like it was airmailed directly from his heart. Tory also excellently mixes a bunch of melodies, which makes the song’s drowsy production sound more dynamic than it actually is. All in all, “Proud Family,” which sounds like the most original track on this project, is awesome.

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Intro (N/A)

2. Slow Grind (Ft. Jacquees) (5/5)

3. Need A Girl (4.5/5)

4. 1 Call (4.5/5)

5. Nigga Skit Pt. 2 (N/A)

6. Just A Friend (3.5/5)

7. What’s Luv (4/5)

8. Proud Family (5/5)

9. Ignition (3.5/5)

10. Slow Down (5/5)

11. Differences (4/5)

12. Aaliyah (4/5)

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OVERALL RATING

(B) (86%)

Tory Lanez is no stranger to the accusation of borrowing sounds from other artists, so his reinterpretations of beloved classics on Chixtape 4 might elicit mixed reactions from listeners. I personally applaud his audacity, as it reflects his belief in his ability to enhance original songs.

Tory doesn’t copy songs word-for-word on Chixtape 4; he infuses each with his distinct Toronto style, his own thoughts, and original melodies. That said, the beats he does do his work over heavily sample from other songs.

Tory lacks shame in being a thug who loves hard. While listening to Chixtape 4, he comes across as crazier in love than Beyoncé for minuscule reasons. I love that about him!

In essence, Chixtape 4 is a true mixtape that highlights Tory Lanez’s R&B prowess, inviting listeners to appreciate his talent and interpretation of the genres past.