Still Doubted? (iTunes)
Since his 2003 debut, Lil Wyte has become one of the most popular and successful underground/indie Southern rappers in the game. He has released five studio albums, a large number of mixtapes, and built a loyal following of supporters. Not too long ago he even launched his own label, Wyte Music Records. And he did it all independently without any of the perks afforded a more mainstream artist. So love him or hate him, one has to respect his grind. Earlier this week he dropped his sixth studio album titled Still Doubted?. It features production from the likes of Lex Luger, Big Boi Beats, and more. The guest appearances range from fellow veteran indie rapper Pastor Troy to Wyte Music’s own $hamrock. The album has been extremely well received, making it into the top 10 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts on the first day. Let’s break down some tracks and see what all the hype is about.
“Sold My Soul” F/ Pastor Troy
This track opens with a reciting of Revelation 13:18 which states “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast. For it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.” Quite an attention grabbing way to start off the track. The production here is top notch. It contains a heavy bass, subtle yet haunting musical elements, and a very dark vibe. The hook is proper as well. The delivery is intense and really drives home the feel of the production. The lyrics are striking and aggressive. The verses are winning too. Lil Wyte takes on the first and third verses. Pastor Troy handles the second. Both rappers came with standout flows, cutting wordplay, and strong rhymes. They do a convincing job of portraying two not so nice characters. Noteworthy lines from Wyte include: “Better understand I help build everything you f–king see. From now on any white rapper that drops has gotta go through me. Cause it’s the phonies, they fakes, they snitches, they snakes. I swear to God when I go to hell all of their souls I’m gonna take.” Just a few lines but the pack a menacing message. Overall, this song is a banger and a favorite off of the album.
“I’m Going Home” F/ Big Lazy
The production here is fresh. It takes on a more easygoing feel than the previous track. The lighter tone, unhurried pace, and melodic rhythm favorably come together and create a down home soulful vibe. The hook is wonderful. The vocals are perfect and really add to the vibe of the song. One can hear that signature Memphis sound all over it. The lyrics are gripping and emotional. The verses are informative. Wyte brings a somber flow and honest high quality rhymes. He completely opens up to the listener, sharing some intimate thoughts/stories on his life and his career. Peep it as he spits: “I sit and write in my room. Sometimes it’s depressing. My favorite time to write its when I’m on the road with no stressing. Just questions as I gaze out the window. West bound, I-40 to the next show, ya know. I swear to God I probably shook three million hands. And If I touched that many I”m pretty sure there’s ten more million fans that I’ve never met and I probably never will. I know you cherish my music. I cherish you and that’s real.” Well put together and reflective rhymes right there. All in all, this another shining track off of the album.
“Yea Hoe” F/ $hamrock
The production here is legit. It returns back to the more ominous tone. There are a few different components at work here with a low pitch and mid-tempo speed. The resulting vibe is pretty intense. The hook is sufficient. The delivery is interesting and the lyrics are captivating. The verses are gratifying. Wyte knocks out the beginning and end verses while $hamrock owns the middle section. Each rapper had an engaging flow and fierce rhymes. The fellas don’t hesitate to let it be known that the Wyte Music team means business and takes no prisoners. Some highlight lines from Wyte would be: “I know you see us when we walk in. We hear yo b–ch is talking. That hoe be all in my Facebook and Twitter f–king stalking. You take up for that b–ch and get yo muthaf–king ass kicked. Them Wyte Music head hunters wrap folks in plastic.” Wyte is no joke, huh? In the end, this song is a banger. Nice track for getting hype or turned up .
“Sike” F/ Miscellaneous
The production here is on point and unique. Sonically, it has an almost Techno Hip-Hop type of thing going on. The beat is super fast paced and sporadic. The vibe on this cut definitely has a club feel to it. The hook is choice. The delivery is clean cut and the lyrics are fun. The verses are up to par too. Wyte leads things off and Miscellaneous takes things home. The duo both handled their business with energetic flows, amusing wordplay, and free spirited rhymes. The two indulge the listener with tales of hardcore partying reminiscent of something straight out of movies like The Hangover. Check it as Wyte recaps: “I rolled out of bed smelling just like liquor. In my right pocket are three broke swishers. So I figured I should go back to the same spot and try to remember. What happened last night? Who was I with? How did I get home? How much money I spent? I been going overboard maybe I need to quit. But the more I think about it, man I got this s–t. I’m Lil Wyte and I’m the king of this.” Bet there is never a dull moment when stepping out with Wyte. Overall, this song is a hit and certainly worth a listen. There is no question why it was chosen for the first video off of the album. The video is a smash too. The live bits are hilarious.
**My Two Cents: I am not a big Lil Wyte fan. But I do have a lot of respect for what he’s done and his position in the Hip-Hop world. Also, I am pretty fond of some of his Wyte Music artists. With that said, I thought this album was hot. The production was flawless, the guest artists all held their own, and Lil Wyte delivered some first-rate rhymes. Additionally, I like the fact that the topics were so diverse. A lot of his fans are saying the more personal side of Wyte is something new but I enjoyed it. It allows one more appreciation for how far he’s come and shows that he can step outside of his comfort zone and still make hit music. I’d recommend all fans of Hip-Hop go check out this album. You might just be pleasantly surprised. It’s available on iTunes. Physical copies are available at Best Buy and Fye. And be sure to hit up Lil Wyte on Twitter. -MinM
