RESPECT. Review: Lil Yachty ‘Summer Songs 2’

When Lil Yachty dropped his Lil Boat mixtape at the beginning of 2016, we don’t think anyone saw the type of buzz it would create for the Atlanta artist. Compile that with the success of the single “Broccoli”, a collaboration between him and Virginia native D.R.A.M, and you can see why Lil Boat has become a breakout star in the hip-hop industry.

Now Yachty returns with the highly anticipated follow-up tape Summer Songs 2. In short, this project is a step forward in “Minnesota” artist’s sound.

Here it is! Summer Songs 2 Stream it only on Apple Music.

Thank you for your patience. https://t.co/GAVxADC2RZ

— king of the youth (@lilyachty) July 20, 2016

Lyrically Yachty is getting a little more diverse on his delivery. Lil Boat’s flows on the track “For Hot 97” and “Shoot out The Roof ” are a step forward from what was displayed on the Lil Boat mixtape. Yachty also flaunts his new Quality Control endorsement. On the track “Dipset,” Yachty enlist fellow QC artist, and one third of the Migos, Offset.

This record is one of the many standout moments on this Summer Songs 2. Lil Boat delivers a solid verse while also laying down an infectious hook. While Offset shows off how versatile his delivery is, even on a beat that he normally wouldn’t be on.

Even with the progress Yachty has made lyrically on this project, it is still only one component of his sound. On Lil Yachty’s more melodic tracks, he continues to impress with the ability to make a catchy hook. The tracks “Life Goes on” and “Pretty” shocked me on how emotional they were. “Life Goes On” is another record where Yachty continues to spread his message of positivity and empowerment.

Lil Yachty recalls memories of when he was in college struggling to find his direction. While “Pretty,” is a love ballad that is so surprisingly sweet, it will make you ask ‘is this the same kid who made “One Night“?’

Both of these two records are great examples of Yachty’s growth as a songwriter. There are a few hiccups on the tape, though not many. The songs “IDK” and “Why” could both have been released separately from the tape. Both of the tracks have no really thought behind them like some of the previously discussed records. They really don’t bring any value to Summer Songs 2 at all.

In closing, Lil Yachty took a step in the right direction with this tape. Summer Songs 2 is a worthy follow up the internet sensation that was the Lil Boat mixtape.

For more on Lil Yachty, keep it locked on RESPECT.