FUTURE – HNDRXX (Freebandz, 2017)
Fresh off releasing his eponymous project just a week prior, Future returns with HNDRXX. Putting out projects so close together is risky for an artist who is often critiqued for being too formulaic, but HNDRXX will put those claims to rest. This album serves as a companion piece to FUTURE, though it’s completely different stylistically. The soundscape is extremely melodic and atmospheric. The content is much more introspective. In “Selfish” featuring Rihanna, the pair harmonize beautifully together. They sing about getting back into a broken relationship for selfish reasons. “Use Me” has Future rapping about his frustrations with a significant other using him for fame. “Incredible” sees him talking about having trust issues until meeting the right one, over a bass-driven, synthpop-inspired instrumental. With this album, Future took a risk and it paid off in a major way. HNDRXX may be his best body of work thus far.
Trial Track: “Selfish” ft. Rihanna
Rating: 9.5/10
