"Man, I'm in the presence of 'Ye and Cudi. This is the art level where I want to be," recalls Travis Scott in an interview; he is referring to the time when he first stepped into the world of G.O.O.D. Music. Since that turning point of a meeting, he's collaborated with aforementioned artists, put out super buzzy mixtapes, and dropped two studio albums, Birds In The Trap Sing Mcknight being the latest. And it is on this second full-length (s/o to Quavo for coming through with the title) that La Flame delivers the most complete body of work, the one that puts him squarely on the trajectory for the "art level" that he strives to achieve. Own Pharaoh was great, and so were Days Before Rodeo, Rodeo, and a bunch of songs that he lend his production touch or auto-tuned verses to, but "straight up," in Birds…, the Texan ties his dark, dramatic sound with the perfect hooks, melodies, and guest spots to really push his rap agenda forward. Mike Dean, Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Vinylz, Murda Beats, TM88, Cashmere Cat, TS himself and on production, with memorable assists from Young Thug, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, 21 Savage, Justin Bieber, Andre 3000, Kid Cudi, and more… Check out: "wonderful," "pick up the phone," "outside," "through the late night," "goosebumps," and "way back." Ya!

• music label: Epic 2016

reviewed by bal elbat 03/2017