Tory Lanez releases one of his first important projects in “Lost Cause.”
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TOP 5
5. Mama Told Me
I love that “Mama Told Me” succeeds “Grandma’s Crib.”
When Tory Lanez decides to hang up his mic and call it a career, I think there’s one style of music that he can confidently say people can’t make like him: You hear that style in “Mama Told Me.” In the track, which is powered by this dark-ass beat with a nice knock to it, Tory spits about the come-up he told us all about and how he’s now moving around making more plays than Haliburton and indulging in the money and fame that came with winning. Overall, I just feel like this is some cold-ass s**t street savants in Toronto probably bump while riding around town.
4. Dry Your I’s
The shortest track on this album displays Tory’s talent the most.
I am a fan of all the Tory Lanez personas out there: I like Big Bad Wolf Tory, Fetty Wap Tory, Travis Scott Tory, and ’80s Tory. However, my favorite Tory might be the one that you hear in “Dry Your I’s.” The version we get in the song is the one who digs into an emotional beat, toying with both high-pitched and extra heartfelt vocals as he apologizes to his mother for indulging in a hustling lifestyle that involves some pretty dangerous day to day responsibilities. For those with dangerous jobs, like window-cleaning or bodyguard for a rapper, this song will certainly strike a chord with you.
3. Gold
Hearing Tory Lanez talk about the things that motivated him to be great is both sad and inspiring.
In “Gold,” ironically, Tory Lanez talks about one of his “brothers” who had a bright future but is now locked up and unable to fully pursue his dreams. The irony lies in the fact that Tory’s own future is now marred by a major jail sentence. While Tory’s heartfelt, raw lyrics in the verses and his emotional chorus are meant to catch your attention, I found it striking how he let the lonely-sounding instrumental shine, even allowing it to play solo for the last two minutes or so. Deep s**t.
2. I-95
As someone who lived off I-95 for several years, I can confirm that s**t can get sticky there.
The singing style Tory Lanez uses in “I-95” is practically extinct now. Though he has his moments in which he raps with a gritty demeanor, a good chunk of the time he sings with this shaky, shy style that really conveys the heartbreak he’s suffered that has forced him to ride through I-95 depressed as hell. Based on the description I gave you, you would think the track was mid; however, I think it features an unbelievable chorus, a moody vibe that I love, and just simpy lyrics that a young me would’ve drowned in after a break-up.
1. The Godfather
Wait a second, was this track made before Jay Rock’s “WIN?”
Seriously, think about it: Just like Jay Rock did in “WIN,” Tory Lanez repeats “win” over and over in “The Godfather.” In fact, Tory delivers the line in a very similar way. However, the similarities end there. Tory’s track has a darker vibe compared to Jay Rock’s, featuring a trunk-rattling instrumental with violin play that will definitely give you chills. He also spends most of his time talking like the ultimate boss who has elevated from ashy to classy, now recklessly spending money and pulling more women than Andrew Tate. The real question is which song is better?
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(B) (86%)
Lost Cause showcases the hunger that’s always driven Tory Lanez. In the mixtape, which originally released in 2014, he frequently talks about grinding long hours in the trap, earning money in dangerous ways, and trusting his instincts that success was just around the corner. He also has moments where he revels in that success, spending recklessly on women, jewelry, and other material luxuries, just like a young man caught up in his newfound fame might do. If Scarface was black, from Toronto, young, and could rap, I have a feeling his debut album would sound a little something like this.
From a skills perspective, Tory shows off his entire repertoire. Across the mixtape, he delivers everything from high-pitched vocals to gritty raps, blending singing and rap in a way that bridges the gap between the genres marvelously. What’s remarkable is how none of the styles he experiments with feel outdated, proving Tory was ahead of his time back then.
Walahi, this might be my favorite Tory Lanez project thus far.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
