Released: 2018
Label: Epic/Freebandz
Featuring: Young Scooter
Atlanta-bred Future, known for his unique blend of trap music and auto-tune-infused melodies, delivered one of his most poignant projects in 2018 with the release of ‘BEASTMODE 2.’ Future, birthed Nayvadius Wilburn, teamed up with producer extraordinaire Zaytoven paving way to a striking sonic palette, and diving deep into his psyche, unraveling tales of decadence, struggle, and success. The album, released under Epic/Freebandz, is an introspective journey that delves into Future’s often contradictory world of extravagance, anxiety, and resilience. Featuring artists like Young Scooter, ‘BEASTMODE 2’ is an emblem of Future’s artistic prowess, his dedication towards his craft, and his influence in shaping the landscape of modern hip-hop.
Through the standouts like “WIFI LIT”, “CUDDLE MY WRIST”, “RACKS BLUE”, and “HATE THE REAL ME”, Future manifests his adept storytelling. His words painting vivid images of his complex realities; his rise from the ashes of adversity, the trappings of monumental wealth, and the relentless pursuit of maintaining authenticity amidst the intoxicating influence of fame. So let’s get into it. From “WIFI LIT” to “HATE THE REAL ME”, here we are breaking down the album ‘BEASTMODE 2’ by Future.
1 WIFI LIT
Through a lens of luxury and resilience, he asserts that his past struggles fuel his current lavish lifestyle, refusing to return to a life “when I ain’t have shit.” The line “I keep my wifi lit, I spend over 5,000, that’s just on one fit” strikingly encapsulates the essence of this track, illustrating the shift from survival to extravagance. It’s a celebratory anthem for those who’ve navigated their way from adversity to opulence, insisting on the importance of staying connected and visible, much like the unrelenting signal of wifi.
2 CUDDLE MY WRIST
He dives deep into the extravagance, from “cuddling” his riches and relationships to flaunting heavy hitters like Bentaygas and Goyard. A stand-out line, “I got that monkey on my back / I walk around with 500 racks,” encapsulates the weight of his wealth and influence, bearing it all as both a burden and a badge of honor, underlining his untouchable status in the game.
3 RACKS BLUE
Zaytoven’s signature production underlines Future’s introspective bars about the complexities of success. “I done went colorblind / I’ma get my shine on, yeah” captures the essence of being caught up in the whirlwind of fame and fortune. The central question, “What I’m supposed to do when these racks blue?” personifies the paradox of plenty, exploring the deeper societal and personal implications of sudden affluence. Future navigates through his reflections on wealth, responsibility, and survival in the glaring spotlight.
4 31 DAYS
With slick production by Zaytoven setting the stage, Future weaves through themes of excess and escapades with women, juxtaposed against the loneliness at the pinnacle of success. A standout line, “Shawty got more bags than a drug dealer,” encapsulates not just the wealth but the lifestyle of indulgence and hedonism Future portrays. This track serves as a vivid narrative of the rapper’s lavish, yet complicated life.
5 RED LIGHT
He reflects on his journey from hardship to success, touching on themes of betrayal, perseverance, and the burdens of expectation. A standout hard-hitting line, “Sleepin’ on the floor had made my heart colder,” poignantly captures the transformation brought by his struggles, highlighting the resilience required to elevate from the depths of adversity to the peaks of stardom. Future’s introspective lyrics delve into the complexities of his ascent, shedding light on the internal battles and external pressures that accompany his achievements.
6 DOH DOH
Features: Young Scooter
The collaboration with Young Scooter adds a layer of street credibility and rawness, highlighting the grind from the streets to the stage. A standout moment is when Future declares, “Take no days off, I get dough, dough, dough,” underscoring the relentless work ethic and pursuit of financial success, a core theme that resonates deeply within the sphere of hip-hop culture, embodying both artists’ never-ending chase for prosperity against all odds.
7 WHEN I THINK ABOUT IT
Future delves into the paradox of his success versus the solitude it brings, flipping his lavish lifestyle on its head to reveal a deeper narrative. Lines like “Got on a million dollars in jewelry when I think about it” and “All these cars, my kids inheritin’ when I think about it” serve as a double-edged sword, illustrating both the heights of his achievements and the emptiness that sometimes accompanies them. A standout line, “Got more guns than a terrorist when I think about it,” hits hard, emphasizing the dangerous extremes of protecting his empire, shedding light on the often-overlooked consequences of fame and fortune in hip-hop culture.
8 SOME MORE
Riding over a hypnotic Zaytoven beat, he seamlessly oscillates between street tales and personal revelations, painting a vivid picture of his lavish, yet cautious lifestyle. A standout line, “Head over water, I ain’t never gon’ flop,” encapsulates his resilience and refusal to succumb to failure, regardless of life’s challenges. This track is not just about abundance and betrayal; it’s a testament to Future’s enduring presence in a game filled with ephemeral players.
9 HATE THE REAL ME
Echoing the raw emotions of battling personal demons, he confesses, “Pouring up in public, damn, I hate the real me,” laying bare his struggle with authenticity in the limelight. This track stands out as a candid reflection on the pressures of fame, the quest for self-medication, and the profound dissonance between the artist’s public persona and his inner reality.
