It’s been weeks since the official release of Funeral; however, Lil Wayne deserves proper respect for what he’s done to the culture of rap. It’s all I’ve really been listening to while sprinkling some B.G. in there to provide the review. If you haven’t heard Lil Wayne’s latest album, or would much rather know which songs come highly recommended, you’re in the right place.
If I had to compare Funeral to the other 12 albums, I’d agree it’s maybe the most complete since I Am Not A Human Being II, released in 2013. As a takeaway, 12 of the 24 tracks have been added to the playlist. Failing be it a test, but I reason with most albums released now are only 10-12 songs entirely. Of course I’d prefer more than a portion of songs reminiscent of Wayne’s prime, but it’s still awesome to see him mature while remaining himself sonically.
Funeral starts strong with high energy and what we love from Wayne over the years lyrically in the first four songs; whole lotta bars. Album progression brings all that energy to a screeching halt as songs 5-8 just aren’t hitting home as the prior four did, for me. It picks up steam with “Not Me” at #9 before dying off again until “Wild Dogs” at #12. “Mahogany” and “Mama Mia” secured the intro while the climax of the album is located here with the aforementioned tracks while adding “Harden”, “I Don’t Sleep”, and “Ball Hard”. “Piano Trap” and “Darkside” are the remaining songs on the album I recommend highly.
As a fan since the beginning, there are definitely moments when you sit and wonder if Wayne’s aged at all with everything that has taken place through the last decade—from health illnesses to fraud on account of his label, Cash Money Records. From punchlines and run-on sentences to flow switches on a quick trigger, Wayne is a well oiled machine to this day. Check out the interview as we all get to appreciate a legend while we still can.
