Tory Lanez eagerly anticipated debut album I Told You is here at long last. This album follows a string of free projects where the quality surpasses many hip-hop projects (Lost Cause -> New Toronto/Chixtape 3).
It is clear from the intro that Tory’s confidence is sky high on this project. He effortlessly flips between vivid reflection and unapologetic flexing throughout several instrumental changes.”It was either feed the fam or get killed..“The energy on is reminiscent of his earlier hits such as Diego, Godfather and Mama Told Me.
The transitional skits are really a key part of the narrative. This coupled the atmospheric production help to make the whole listening experience cinematic.Tory does stray outside the usual with High and Cold Hard Love. The latter has the potential to be his next crossover hit. To D.R.E.A.M is truly an exceptional song credit to all artists involved (notably Bristol artist Javeon).
There are zero features on this album. Tory did mention this could be the case in interviews prior to the album so no surprises here. Additionally, with such a personal message features may have distorted it.
Although, a minimal feature from the One Umbrella Mob feature (Life Of Pablo like) would have been interesting. I’m sure when Tory and his team will bring through the other artists when appropriate, though.
As of recent, there has been an underlying stigma attached to Tory as a flow/style clone. There are some aspects which do remind me of other artists (Future, Travis and Drake),
I’ll just highlight them below and move on;
- The production on 4am Flex / Friends With Benefits has aspects of Drake – We’ll Be Fine.
- Loners Blvd sounds a lot like Drake – Look What You’ve Done in every aspect.
- Dirty Money 3.51 onwards is a mixture of Travis and Future.
The exclusion of recent hits Real Addresses, Tim Duncan and Diamonds shocked and disappointed me at first. The reason being it was something I saw work very well for Future with Dirty Sprite 2; bringing loose hits across to his album.
Although, on reflection, this is an open project which showcases some very cohesive story-telling much like a Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Providing an insight into both the gutter and emotive sides of Tory from; relationships, hustling and straight up flexing.
I think it achieves exactly what he planned to achieve. It demonstrates he really is the pioneer of “Swavey” with a diverse range of songs. Also, in my eyes, he solidifies his position as a talented rapper with this album. This is unlike some of these new school hip hop “artists” who are afraid to freestyle.
In all honesty, Lost Cause will still be my favorite project from Tory, as it had more rawness. This is a lot more polished and targeted to the masses. It was good to see he didn’t completely ride the wave of “Luv” because this would’ve made the sound really repetitive.
As I expected there were no points where he fired indirect/direct at his OVO sparring partner. I think he used the prior shots as a means of promotion which in part backfired (each interview geared with Drake questions) as well as gaining him attention.
There is still going to be a clear divide between Drake and Tory with some people. The success of Drake in success in 2016 is unparalleled, although if Tory keeps delivering heat at this level it will set him well to be a great success.
Top 3 tracks: I Told You/Another One, To Dream and Question Is
9/10
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