FNF Kenno & tjonez [the producer.] – Baby, Don’t Drown In The Wave (Album Review)

“Baby, Don’t Drown In The Wave” is a romantic, laid-back hip-hop experience from FNF Kenno and tjonez [the producer.].

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. Bae Watch

There’s been a recent surge in stories about women getting swept up by waves.

“Bae Watch” is one hell of an album opener. The track rides a whirlwind, hypnotic, sluggish instrumental that immediately pulls you in, paired with an extra-catchy, sing-songy chorus that sets the tone for something intoxicating and hazy.

FNF Kenno comes through with a solid verse, rapping at a steady pace with smooth confidence as he speaks on a mutually beneficial partnership with someone worth spoiling and treating right. It’s a tone-setting introduction that does exactly what an intro should do: lock you in and set the mood.

4. Tears N The Rain

Crying in the rain has to be one of the most emotionally draining experiences a person can go through.

You know what’s impressive? FNF Kenno handles most of the choruses on this album, but “Tears N The Rain” is one of the rare exceptions. Instead, an uncredited female singer takes the lead on the hook, and thankfully, she absolutely nails it. She brings real soul and urgency to the track, perfectly matching the dramatic, rain-soaked production.

I also love how FNF Kenno ad-libs her throughout the chorus, subtly reminding you whose world this still is. Lyrically, the song finds him calling out someone who tossed him aside, triggering a spiral of emotional distress. It genuinely feels like this track was recorded right at the moment when sadness curdled into anger.

“Tears N The Rain” has everything you’d want: raw emotion, strong vibes, soulful delivery, and an unfiltered verbal unloading.

3. 1 Time

You can never argue with constructive criticism, right?

In “1 Time,” FNF Kenno checks his partner, making it clear she needs to listen better and understand that his patience with her flaws is running thin. The usually laid-back Kenno brings a little extra heat to his verses while keeping his delivery controlled, sounding like a guy who finally gathered his thoughts once that one shot of whiskey settled in. The production supports the mood perfectly, offering a sly, knocking beat that feels tailor-made for a smooth high and late-night reflection.

2. Sweetest Thing

This track is basically guaranteed to convince her to lose at least one layer of clothing. Choose wisely.

I really think both FNF Kenno and TKonez put up triple-doubles on this track. The production is on point, with heavy knock, sensual touches, subtle sparkles, and an overall upbeat energy that keeps everything moving. As for FNF, he comes through with a more relentless presence, riding the beat effortlessly while promising this woman he’ll repay her for being one of his best investments ever. To me, this is simply a well-put-together track.

1. Kast Away

Damn, imagine telling someone if they don’t straighten up, you’re shipping them off to the same island Tom Hanks and that volleyball were stranded on.

The transition from “Bae Watch” into “Kast Away” is straight-up epic. The production picks up the pace and cranks the urgency, with FNF Kenno delivering an infectious chorus and some of his most thrilling raps on the project. He schools his chick on how he moves and how he plans to reshape their relationship, and he confidently admits that finding someone as solid as him won’t be easy. Bottom line: this track just knocks.

SONG BY SONG RATING

1. Bae Watch (3.5/5)

2. Kast Away (4/5)

3. Sweetest Thing (4/5)

4. Call Me (3.5/5)

5. No Emotions (3/5)

6. 2 Late (3.5/5)

7. 1 Time (4/5)

8. Tears N The Rain (4/5)

9. Cinnamon Apple (4/5)

10. Honeymoon Phase (4/5)

11. Tainted (3.5/5)

12. The Deep End (4/5)

RGM RATING

(75%)

FNF Kenno and tjonez [the producer.] have created a solid romantic, laid-back project that fits the season effortlessly.

On the production side, tjonez [the producer.] supplies twelve sultry, ice-cold, R&B-leaning instrumentals designed to lower your blood pressure and set the mood for liquor sipping and late-night touching.

Lyrically, FNF Kenno leans into themes of responsibility, emotional presence, and knowing how to bring out the best in your woman, whether that means nurturing a healthy relationship or slowly addressing the tension in the room. His singing won’t be mistaken for Marvin Gaye, but he does deliver irresistible melodies, understands his pocket, and runs the plays well. As a rapper, he sounds even more natural, leaning into his gritty, unbothered vocal tone and layering his flows cleanly over the production.

Is this album an acquired taste? Absolutely. The sluggish, syrupy pace takes a moment to settle into. Still, the melodies are strong, the performances feel authentic, and the project stays focused from start to finish.