R&B singer/songwriter Brent Faiyaz straddles a conflict between his emotions and the allure of fame in this 10-track project.
Initially building a buzz with his feature on the 2017 hit “Crew” with Goldlink & Shy Glizzy, Brent Faiyaz has established himself as an emerging face in R&B with projects such as Sonder Son and Lost, along with his role as vocalist of the trio Sonder with producers Atu and Dpat on their 2017 EP Into. Recalling the angelic falsettos and minimalist production of 1990’s and 2000’s R&B artists such as Donell Jones and Usher, Faiyaz gives his listeners a glimpse into his world as he balances his reckless side as a playboy with introspection over social issues and sentiments of romance. Fuck the World continues of Brent’s story as he reaches new heights of fame.
A standout track is the opener, “Skyline,” illustrating the image of Brent floating above the world of his upbringing and its hardships as he croons, “It’s no wonder I feel stuck/Fuck what set you bang, what hood you claim/We all come from the same/And I don’t know if it’ll change.” The use of high-pitched vocals and lack of drums adds to the track’s cloudiness, emphasizing Faiyaz’s realization that he is no different from those raised in a world full of negative setbacks such as poverty & his sheer luck in finding prosperity.
Another standout track, “Clouded,” finds Brent seduced by vices and pressure of fame as he sings under a dramatic chord progression, “She come in and compliment my closet/Fuck her on the floor like I don’t give a fuck ’bout it/Your judgement get clouded when you clouded/My opposition wish I’d stop smilin’/My family wish I’d stop wildin.” This track creates a feeling of insecurity as if Brent is using his debauchery as a weapon to fight his critics.
The EP shares a more hopeful side with tracks such as “Let Me Know” and “Lost Kids Get Money.” The former preaches self-love with lyrics such as, “And with living comes with ills/Don’t let ’em feel make you feel like the world can’t heal/It’s hard out here/Despite your fears, keep holding on.”
The latter is a celebratory anthem with Brent singing in a rap-like cadence, “We the reason our city buzzin’/All my bros collect, all my bros is next/Who need work? I could plug you with connects.” This track and its uptempo sound maintains optimism and braggadocio for Brent’s continued success.
Overall, Fuck the World is an excellent little project that is emotionally gripping with its introspection over life’s dualities. If you’re a fan of soulful R&B with light influences of hip hop, I highly recommend you give this a listen.
Score: 9/10