Lil Yachty and James Blake combine their strengths and weaknesses in “BAD CAMEO.”
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TOP 3 SONGS
3. Twice
Lil Yachty delivers his standout rap performance on the track “Twice.”
As a matter of fact, I believe Lil Yachty’s most impressive performance as a whole on this album can be found in “Twice.” I adore how he immerses himself in the track’s choppy instrumentation, effortlessly blending engaging raps with daring crooning. As for James Blake, he stands out when providing backing vocals for Yachty (That sounds odd, right?). Blake also shines when the beat transitions to a more dramatic sound, allowing his full talents to come to the forefront.
For those who question why Kendrick Lamar said, “And Yachty can’t give you no swag either” in “Euphoria,” listen to the outro to this track: it’s swag overload.
2. Missing Man
“Missing Man” is so good, the song almost made me tear up.
While I don’t find Lil Yachty’s singing voice particularly strong, I believe he performs well when provided with the right musical backdrop. In “Missing Man,” he thrives on soothing yet increasingly intense instrumentation, blending repetitive elements, showcasing angelic vocals, delivering rap verses, and conveying a sense of introspection. On the other hand, James Blake delivers a haunting and deeply affecting performance that resonates effortlessly. Together, they create an unbelievable track that is captivating to listen to.
1. Midnight
Lil Yachty must be arrested for his vocal performance in “Midnight.”
Despite finding Lil Yachty’s performance in “Midnight” awful, I still think the song is quite good. I’m drawn to its pulsing heartbeat, engaging tempo, and moments of vulnerability. Additionally, James Blake’s vocal performance is outstanding; he sounds liberated, pleasantly ghostly (an unconventional description, I know), and incredibly infectious. His contribution significantly enhances the song’s appeal for me.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(B+)
Lil Yachty and James Blake diverge in their musical styles, yet both possess a knack for pushing boundaries within their respective genres. Their collaboration in Bad Cameo yields unique and intriguing results.
The production attached to this album is outstanding. Many of the tracks feature atmospheric sounds you would hear in a planetarium. At the same time, little elements of hip-hop are sprinkled here and there, allowing Lil Yachty to be the guy we’ve all come to love. S**t, the only album with more stunning backdrops was Billie Eilish’s last effort.
Listeners shouldn’t expect straightforward narratives from this album. Throughout Bad Cameo, James Blake delves into philosophical themes while Lil Yachty oscillates between philosophical and portraying a street-smart persona. Though their lyrics may resonate deeply, they’re presented in unconventional ways, which isn’t necessarily a drawback.
James Blake’s vocals shine brilliantly on the album, contrasting sharply with Lil Yachty’s awful sound. Yet Yachty’s audacious approach to tackling complex musical backdrops deserves applause. When Lil Yachty raps, his delivery might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it tends to align more with the styles of other rappers.
Ultimately, take this review with the biggest grain of salt ever. I’m talking more salt than they use on the fried shrimp at Red Lobster. I think this is an acquired taste project that needs to be consumed several times in many different ways. There’s no need to rate or review it; appreciate it (I know I just reviewed it, but I need money).
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
This Post Has One Comment
Yachty is scrumptious on woo ? most replay value imo