The emotion of his tone and lyrics are synonymous with the heart-rending instrumental but his flow just doesn't mesh very well here. The same can be argued about the intro or "Idols".Īnother flaw from this album is some of these songs don't sound deserving to be on the album tracklist. "Blood Sweat & Tears" with G Herbo is an example of a track that isn't necessarily bad, just not exactly memorable.
The album's full of high notes pointing out his star power but it's also flawed, reminding us it's still coming together. But when they don't hit, they stick out like a sore thumb. A lot of them with these beats sound like successful concoctions as unorthodox as Saweetie's food combinations. One thing about this album is the pockets Ray finds for each song is literally making or breaking them. "Live a thug life, don't wanna die to notice meį**k what a n**a say, I'm watchin' what they showin' meįresh as hell, in this life, tend to know it's meĮverybody can't go, you can't go with me" It isn't long before the rapper hijacks the high-paced instrumental with lines detailing his nocturnal lifestyle of a restless go-getter. By the time the beat drops, Ray floors the gas with a flow that skips across the beat like a rock on a lake. Featured artist Yung Lean opens it up with a verse heroically detailing the mind of the young, ambitious, and unapologetic. That's exactly what happened on the reflective track "Overtime". Once Ray finds a pocket, it becomes hard not to bop your head the way he coasts through his lines. The off-kilter bass and blunt piano keys sound difficult to navigate through but it's merely a comfort zone for him. The third track "Sincerely Face" is the embodiment of how Babyface Ray's hometown-influenced sound has become so mainstream. The 4PF signee has a hard time containing himself being a guest artist as he delivers a standout appearance on the song. His other Detroit connection doesn't miss either as Ray links up with 42 Dugg on the revengeful "Let Me Down". Given their solidified history for collaborating, the hit potential for "6 Mile Show" was almost a given. Before you know it, the beat switches and the bounce gets groovier with a deep bassline that Ray and Veezo easily transition on. The two Detroit rappers waste no time feeding off the energy and start trading bars back and forth immediately.
It’s got this infectious strip club bounce with a background siren sounding like Magic City's strobe lights that's undeniable. He really starts flexing his hit-making skills on his Icewear Veezo collaboration "6 Mile Show". Babyface uses a One Republic sample and hard organ loop to pen the confessions of the double-cupped, bag catcher with little breaks in between verses. The intro "My Thoughts 3" is a strong ode to who the man behind the persona has become. Now with newfound acclaim, it's time for Ray to present the FACE behind the rapper.įrom its beginning, the album takes off quickly and showcases a lot of Babyface Ray's strengths.
His earnest lyricism from his Unfxckwitable EP and memorable guest features made this project among the most anticipated of the year. Since his massive street hit "Paperwork Party", the status of his career has gone from local standout to nationwide staple for Detroit's new sound. His hometown has seen a heavy rap resurgence the past two years and within this period, Ray's become a star. Babyface Ray has outgrown Detroit's summits and is still hungry for more with his new album, FACE.