Mustard follows up his “Not Like Us” success with “Faith Of A Mustard Seed.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Parking Lot (Ft. Travis Scott)
It’s crazy how much this track coincides with what Travis Scott was arrested for last month.
In “Parking Lot,” Travis Scott talks about going all out during after-hours, sharing grams with his friends, and reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings. He also mentions hooking up with a girl who likes reaching into things.
My favorite thing about this track is the production. Mustard hits us with a bass-booming, soulful beat that showcases his versatility. In other words, it sounds nothing like “Not Like Us.” As for Travis Scott, I don’t love his contributions. His lyrics feel lackluster, and his rap style sounds overly autotuned and robotic. Nonetheless, it’s a Travis Scott track, so people will still vibe with it.
4. Worth a Heartbreak (Ft. Blxst & A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)
Mustard channels The Neptunes for this track.
My favorite chorus on this album is featured in “Worth a Heartbreak.” Blxst delivers something multi-layered, extremely intoxicating, and simply real as s**t. He also hits us with a verse about his grown-man approach to dealing with complications in a relationship. As for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, we get a melodic rap verse from him highlighting his ability to handle conflict swiftly and with swag. All in all, this is the grown s**t I prefer to listen to these days.
3. Truth Is (Ft. Roddy Ricch)
Mustard and Roddy Ricch’s chemistry is crazy-good.
You get a braggadocios version of Roddy Ricch in “Truth Is.” In the track, Roddy flaunts his luxurious lifestyle and big bank account to impress the woman he’s interested in, eventually admitting that he paid for a few things because of the affection she shows him. Given that Mustard’s beats with handclaps typically give Roddy Ricch superpowers, it’s no surprise that Roddy absolutely slides on this track, delivering an animated vocal performance and a flow that jumps off the page like a muthaf**ka. All in all, I rock with this joint.
2. One Of Them Ones (Ft. Quavo & Rob49)
These are the type of club bangers that made Mustard famous.
“One Of Them Ones” has everything you would want out of a club banger: Violins that are supposed to make nasty chicks with nice asses drop it to the floor, hyped-up vocals from Mustard, a catchy Quavo hook that is designed to get strippers to bring their A-games to the pole, and verses by Quavo and Rob49 that’s all about flossing and wildin’. I can easily see this track doing serious numbers when it’s all said and done.
1. One Bad Decision (Ft. Ella Mai & Roddy Ricch)
Roddy Ricch and Ella Mai are Mustard’s plugs.
“One Bad Decision” is driven by a reworked version of Wyclef’s “911” beat, with Mustard adding his signature snaps for an extra touch. Over it, Ella Mai and Roddy Ricch take turns exploring the themes of a toxic relationship. Ella delves into intense emotions, referencing loading up rounds and confronting her boyfriend, while Roddy Ricch offers an apology for his infidelity and acknowledges his partner’s need for him. The track stands out for its dynamic interplay and the compelling, raw moments delivered by both artists.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(C+)
Mustard has proven he’s more than just a flash-in-the-pan producer, and he’s done this mainly by staying true to himself. In Faith of a Mustard Seed, he takes authenticity to another level. Throughout the album, we hear him collaborate with West Coast artists who helped shape his career, such as Roddy Ricch, Vince Staples, and ScHoolboy Q (though sadly, no YG or Kendrick Lamar). He also dedicates a track to his mother, creates an outro that reflects on his journey, and showcases his love for genres like soulful R&B. If you were expecting a West Coast-inspired hip-hop banger fest, this album is more than that; it’s a well-rounded 14-track project with diverse production, artists from all coasts, and, yes, a few club bangers here and there.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
