One of the most prolific rappers of the modern era, Future, released his third body of work of the year on Sept. 20 with “MIXTAPE PLUTO.”
Following his back-to-back number one albums “WE DON’T TRUST YOU” and “WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU” alongside close collaborator Metro Boomin, Future is back with his trademark grimy mixtape energy, just as toxic and druggy as ever.
“WE DON’T TRUST YOU” in particular is potentially the most discussed rap album of the year, partially due to Kendrick Lamar’s return to the public consciousness with his pointed jabs at Drake and J. Cole on “Like That,” setting off what may be the biggest rap beef of all time.
Lamar’s proclamations of “Fuck the big three, it’s just big me” and “Fore all your dogs getting buried, it’s a K with all the nines, he gon’ see Pet Semetary” set the rap game ablaze, with an excellent performance from Future and a generational 1986 “Eazy-Duz-It” eloquently crafted by Metro Boomin.
Future’s mass output this year is not too dissimilar to his 2014-15 run, where within one year he released four mixtapes, being “Monster,” “Beast Mode,” “56 Nights” and “What A Time To Be Alive,” a collab tape with Drake, as well as his critically acclaimed album “DS2.”
While five projects is substantial, the 58 songs manage to be eclipsed in 2024 with 59 songs between his three projects. With varying levels of quality, at the age of 40, Future remains one of the most prolific rappers alive.
Alongside executive producers Wheezy and Southside, Future is back with 18 tracks, 44 minutes of material and no features.
Personally, the best moments on this tape for me come when Future gets outside of his comfort zone. Tracks near the end of the tape such as “LOST MY DOG” offer emotional complexity while the melodies he catches on “SOUTH OF FRANCE” and “SURFING A TSUNAMI” are addicting.
Future also included bangers with a classic “Future sound” such as “SKI” and “TEFLON DON.” That said, many of the other bangers feel by-the-numbers for Future, though there is a respectable cohesion throughout.
If you have been paying attention, the moments on “WE DON’T TRUST YOU” and “WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU” that ushered the most discussion were the moments were the featured performers – Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky and The Weeknd dissing Drake, Travis Scott and Playboi Carti on a song together, and J. Cole’s first verse following his departure from the rap beef.
That said, the decision for “MIXTAPE PLUTO” to contain solely performances from Future is a powerful one, proving he is beyond the need for outside voices to create a cohesive, popular piece.
While “MIXTAPE PLUTO” does not reach the same highs as either of his previous albums, its quality still serves as a testament to his work ethic, especially considering he is nearly 15 years into his career.
