Remaining an artist of impressive stature since his breakthrough, Yung Bleu boasts GRAMMY and top Billboard chart stints. His latest studio album comes in the form of ‘TANTRA’, it follows on from 2021 LP ‘Moon Boy’ which went saw widespread acclaim and featured his double platinum record ‘You’re
Mines Still’.
‘TANTRA’ a 17-track instalment, much of its content looks toward reflection and relationships. Tantra itself encompassing ideals about spirit, consciousness, and sex – the title of this project, if not cleverly orchestrated, must be a delightful coincidence.
Kicking off with ballad track ‘Don’t Forget Me’. Although speaking on a relationship, it works as
relevant introduction to the project, in a way asserting his presence to his audience too. The second song ‘What Type Of Games’ pulling on inspiration from DMX’s ‘How’s It Going Down’ and later Drake’s
‘U With Me?’, Bleu flips the tracks signature lyrics for a creative use of interpolation of a classic.
Fivio Foreign the first feature on the record, ‘One Of Those Nights’ calls on a drill instrumental laced
with a striking vocal. Fivio an apt guest for a playful drill song as such. ZAYN stars on the next feature, ‘Fire Inside’ a pop drop that subtly positions him in The Weeknd’s soundscape.
The Alabama native equipped with an undeniable prowess for love songs. ‘Love In The Way’ (ft. Nicki
Minaj) and new bops ‘Bad Lil Vibe’, ‘Your Love Is Dangerous’ (ft. Lucky Daye) testament to that.
‘Freak Freak’ (ft. Kelly Rowland) a sultrier pick, Yung Bleu matches Kelly’s mammoth R&B aptitude
well.
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Classic hip-hop energy shining through on ‘Life Worth Energy’ (ft. French Montana). Bleu combines
profoundness with braggadocios moments on this project. ‘Soul Child’ (ft. Lil Wayne) includes
confident lyrics from the 28 year old. “I showed these n****s what to do with a Drake feature / Six-time
nominated…”. A guest verse from a rap OG and R&B legend Musiq Soulchild’s ‘Love’ sampled
throughout, only further solidifying all he had to say.
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The tempo slowing as the album nears it end – piano tones seamlessly leading into the outro track ‘Walk Through The Fire’ (featuring Neyo). The artist-producer’s distinctive style has successfully seen
him carve out a lane for himself. Featuring 13 new tracks, the LP is abundant in rhythmic hooks,
relatable lyricism, and notable production. ‘TANTRA’ an eclectic listen that maintains a theme, while speaking on Yung Bleu’s growth, upwards trajectory, and indisputable songwriting ability.
7/10
Words: Shanté Collier-McDermott
