Future’s style and lyricism have not changed in the past decade. Despite this, he still makes hit after hit and is as infectious as ever. Why is this? Thank Metro Boomin.
The 30-year-old three-time Grammy nominee has been producing with Future for over 12 years. Mostly a behind-the-scenes presence, Metro has recently gained more popularity due to his 2023 “Heroes & Villains” record, which was nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammys.
Metro’s style and position as a forward-thinking hip-hop producer have been in constant evolution — his hits are hits — with classic tracks such as “Jumpman,” “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” and “Mask Off” cementing his status in the 2010s as a legendary figure in hip-hop canon.
Everyone wants to work with Metro, but only a select few — including the 40-year-old Atlanta icon — can work with him.
“WE DON’T TRUST YOU” is the latest collaborative effort from Future and Metro Boomin. After years of patiently waiting, we finally have a joint project from them. So how good is it?
Let’s say that both of them might have the Grammys on lock next year.
Starting off with the title track, Future and Metro put forward not only how the production will go on the record, but how the lyricism will too. Metro’s production has always been innovative with evocative chord progressions, a dreary atmosphere and classic trap bass hits.
Synths, strings and programmed drums galore.
Future also puts out two killer verses on the first track — rapping about the current volatility in the rap game.
“You a n**** number one fan, dog/Sneak dissin’, I don’t understand, dog/Pillowtalkin’, actin’ like a fed, dog/I don’t need another fake friend, dog,” Future raps on “WE DON’T TRUST YOU.”
Three standout tracks on the record include “Type S***,” “Like That” and “Cinderella” — all of which feature collaborations with Future and Metro, but also Playboi Carti, Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott respectively.
“Type S***” features killer verses both by Future and Carti — the latter of which has been on a creative hot streak as of late. The track’s sonic profile consists of various pitched bells, a psychedelic bridge section and burgeoning synths. It is a dark-trap Atlanta banger and is likely going to be on people’s playlists for a while.
The most lyrical song on the record is “Like That” with Kendrick Lamar.
Kendrick has nothing to lose on this track, and with arguably the most progressive and weirdest beat on the record, the scene was set for Kendrick to spit something legendary.
He does just that — dissing Drake and J. Cole’s recent collaborative hit “First Person Shooter.”
“Lost too many soldiers not to play it safe/If he walk around with that stick, it ain’t Andre 3K/Think I won’t drop the location? I still got PTSD/Motherf*** the big three, n****, it’s just big me,” Lamar raps on “Like That.”
While Future does not outshine Lamar on his own track, he keeps up and adds enough foreboding atmosphere to keep it interesting.
Finally, “Cinderella” — featuring Travis Scott — is a more low-key track with Metro’s production creating a nocturnal atmosphere. Future and Scott complement each other nicely on this track, with both artists holding their own against each other and not taking away from the ambiance.
I do not have a lot of complaints with the record, besides that some of the tracks are not standouts and kind of just slog on as run-of-the-mill Future-Metro tracks. However, this does not take away from the tremendous atmosphere of the album — as well as the killer verses by Future and his hip-hop entourage.
For those thirsty for more, Future and Metro Boomin will be releasing another collaborative record on Friday, April 12 titled: “WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU” — so look forward to that.
I know I am.
Rating: 4/5 stars
