Takeoff Goes Solo With ‘The Last Rocket’

7/10

The past two years to say the least have been huge for the Atlanta grown rap-trio group, the Migos. After having a number one billboard hit (“Bad and Boujee”), Migos whipped out the platinum-certified, Culture II with worldwide success.Out of the three members, Offset and Quavo are definitely seen more in the public limelight based off their pop-hit friendliness and dating lives. Takeoff seems to be the more low-key member out of the group straying away from mainstream pop and cameos. This understated persona leaves many to believe Takeoff is the underrated member of the trio, but he is also the foundation of the group. Fellow member Quavo released his first cameo-filled solo album, Quavo Huncho in October and Offset’s new solo album is set to release soon as well. With these other solo tracks being released, Takeoff gives fans what they want with his new solo-debut, The Last Rocket.

Takeoff appropriately starts the album with an audio of a spaceship countdown, revving listeners up for the rest of the album. Unfortunately after this intro, the album seems to coast instead of pick up and take off right away. Many of the usual women, jewelry, and car tropes are used throughout the album but Takeoff’s masterful lyricism and ear for interesting beats gives the tape a different feel than what are used to with the Migos. Unlike Quavo’s recent album, The Last Rocket doesn’t use many features or cameos to stay afloat. “She Gon Wink” featuring Quavo sounds like almost any other typical Migos trap song with Quavo singing the chorus, but it gets the job done and satisfies those who want to hear more than just one of the group. One of the most pleasantly surprising songs on the album is “Infatuation” featuring underground artist Dayytona Fox, which brings a new change of pace where Takeoff raps over an almost space-80’s R&B beat, confessing his love for a women and how he would choose her over any drug. Takeoff also brings new lyrical material with songs talking about his rough life before the fame (“Last Memory”) and his success-over-fame mindset (“None To Me”). Not only does Takeoff show his lyrical talent with this record he also knows how to choose futuristic spaced-out beats and production that veer away from the typical trap beats Migos is used to. The album ends with the open and vulnerable “Bruce Wayne” where the rapper admits how nervous he was when he started to perform, which is refreshing to hear compared to his other songs that involve mostly flexing his money and possessions. The album ends with the rapper revealing himself a little deeper below the surface than what has been shown in the past. When it comes to certain musical groups, some are never meant to split apart and only have success together. Even though the Migos seem to always sound better together as a group, The Last Rocket is a solid debut and shows that Takeoff has potential to progress and thrive as a solo artist.

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