Fetty Wap – Zavier (Album Review)

Fetty Wap sings like he’s auditioning for everything at once, sometimes successfully.


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TOP 5 SONGS

Honorable Mention. Right Back To You

I can’t believe I actually like this track. It carries that old-school, late-night barbecue energy that feels like it was made strictly for the 50+ crowd. Still, Fetty Wap delivers a surprisingly strong performance, leaning into a heavy, emotional, slightly tipsy crooner vibe that fits the moment. To make peace with myself, I just tell myself Charlie Wilson made this s**t.

Honorable Mention. Never Tell

A lot of the sampling on this project feels phoned in, but “Never Tell” stands out in a good way. Fetty Wap taps into a melodic lane similar to Polo G on “RAPSTAR,” even echoing parts of the instrumental, yet it doesn’t feel like a knockoff. Instead, he uses the moody backdrop to reflect on what led to his incarceration while making it clear he’s standing on loyalty. If you treat this like his “first day out” moment, it hits a lot harder.

5. Like A Taylor (Ft. Wiz Khalifa)

Let’s keep it simple: this track is strange. Fetty Wap comes through sounding like a Black Gatsby over a slow-burning, piano-driven instrumental that takes its time getting off the ground. What makes it even more puzzling is how polished and elegant he sounds while talking about smoking weed and shouting out Taylor Gang. Then Wiz Khalifa slides in and restores some balance, delivering his usual laidback yet assertive flow, flexing wealth and a luxury lifestyle. Once the initial confusion fades, the track actually starts to click.

4. Fool For You

“Fool For You” is genuinely beautiful. Fetty Wap reflects on his relationship mistakes and the effort it takes to fix them, which hits differently coming from the same artist behind “Trap Queen.” Vocally, this might be his strongest performance on the project. He locks into the melody perfectly, guiding listeners through every rise and dip in the instrumental. As the track slowly builds, he stays patient, then elevates his energy once it blossoms into a snap-heavy, sunlit groove. It’s a standout track, no question.

3. Nasty (Ft. Tink)

“Nasty” is a mixed bag, but it has its moments. The chorus is easily the highlight, blending emotion and catchiness in a way that sticks with you. Tink delivers a strong verse, tapping into a sultry, confident bag while switching flows and keeping things engaging. However, Fetty Wap feels a step behind, with a delivery that lacks sharpness. The production also leaves something on the table, especially considering the influence from Usher’s “Nice & Slow.” Even with its flaws, the track has a vibe that will draw people in.

2. White Roses (Ft. Divinity & Ymanie)

Who does Fetty Wap think he is, Mary Poppins? “White Roses” leans fully into that foot-tapping, clap-along, almost Disney-like energy that demands a full performance, and he delivers. His vocals are big and theatrical, hitting highs and lows with confidence, while trading moments with Divinity and Ymanie like he’s leading a stage production. Between the slick chorus, catchy melodies, and high energy, he checks every box. You might want to hate it, but it’s tough to.

1. Real Love (Ft. Honey Bxby)

Honestly, if Fetty Wap and Honey Bxby performed “Real Love” on American Idol, they might’ve walked away with the whole thing. The track leans on a stripped-down instrumental, with plucky guitar licks and strong violin accents setting a warm, emotional stage. Both artists trade vocals effortlessly, delivering something genuinely impressive. Fetty brings real passion, hitting high notes and easing back down smoothly, while Honey Bxby matches that intensity with her own emotional depth. Lyrically, it’s all about that ride-or-die kind of love, the kind you fight for or make small sacrifices for. I expected this track to fall apart, but it never does.


SONG BY SONG RATING

1. Right Back To You (4/5)

2. Like A Taylor (Ft. Wiz Khalifa) (4/5)

3. Real Love (Ft. Honey Bxby) (5/5)

4. White Roses (Ft. Divinity & Ymanie) (4/5)

5. Nasty (Ft. Tink) (4/5)

6. N LUV (Ft. Monty) (3/5)

7. Spot Back (Ft. Rob McCoy) (3/5)

8. Favorite Girl (3/5)

9. Fool For You (4/5)

10. Say When (3/5)

11. With It Or What (3/5)

12. BossDon (Ft. Max B) (2/5)

13. Eastside Mz (2/5)

14. LYG (Ft. Oskama Esteban) (2/5)

15. Real Ones (Ft. Albee Al & Harrd Luck) (2/5)

16. Never Tell (4/5)

17. I Remember/Dear Zavier (Ft. G Herbo) (3/5)


RGM RATING

(D)

I’ll say it straight: Fetty Wap can actually sing. On Zavier, he leans all the way into it, often placing his vocals front and center over stripped-down, dramatic production, stacking harmonies like he’s got something to prove. The surprising part is how good he sounds. He hits notes you wouldn’t expect, shows real range, and adapts well to different backdrops. Early in the project, especially in that first stretch, he locks into themes of healthy, intentional love, which gives the album a warm, sincere tone. Does he overreach at times? Sure. Going toe-to-toe with a true R&B singer on “Spot Back” and tapping into a B2K-style vibe on “Favorite Girl” might be ambitious, but the effort feels genuine.

Now for the rough edges. The moments where he tries on a Cali OG persona feel awkward, even if they show he’s willing to experiment. The sampling choices don’t always land either. Lifting “Luv Your Girl” so directly feels lazy, and the flip of “Nice & Slow” lacks conviction. Structurally, the album struggles too. It jumps from experimental ideas to romantic cuts, then veers into a gritty, street-heavy finish that feels disconnected, almost like a loose mixtape assembled on the fly. At times, his ambition works against him, with tracks like “Say When” coming off more like karaoke than fully realized performances.

Still, there’s something here. Even for listeners who weren’t fully sold before, the versatility and willingness to step outside his lane stand out. With sharper execution and better cohesion, he’s not far off from putting together something truly complete.


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