Last Year Being Local Album Review

This album was meticulously listened to with the intention of providing a comprehensive critique from start to finish. It's important to acknowledge that listening experiences can vary based on individual circumstances and emotional states, which may lead to different insights and interpretations. We highly encourage anyone interested to give this album a listen and form their own opinions, as music is subjective and personal perspectives contribute to a diverse range of interpretations. Listen to the album here Follow L3xxington here

The following section of this review will delve into the tracklist and include notes on each individual track:

Get Ready - Prepare yourself as the album kicks off with a 53-second skit before the real song begins around the 1:03 mark. The relevance of the skit feels disconnected from the following track, lacking a strong connection between the two. The cadence of the lyrics gives off a rhythmic sense of reading, with a line-by-line delivery like "baby... what... you... do... to... me... I'm... faded." 

Back In Style Featuring Chassity -The simplicity of the hook makes it easy to recite and remember, and the fact that both artists recite the hook together adds a stamp of unity to the song.

Aktive featuring Young Bullie - Doesn't stand out as anything special in particular. However, L3xxington's line "niggas mad cause I'm nice" highlights the backlash she receives as a female artist, facing unwarranted hate from individuals who may have never even met her. It's a reflection on the unfortunate reality of such situations.

Call The Shots - the focus revolves around relationships, creating a theme centered on that subject matter for the most part. (This song is no longer on the album)

Take It There featuring Cheekz - presents a basic hook that revolves around shooting rookies. Cheekz showcases his clever wordplay. The line "I feed my hittas, you can ask them 🥷 they don't miss a meal when it's time to kill they wear that 30 too like that boy Shaquille" adds a touch of imagery and connects to the theme of maintaining loyalty and taking charge. This track stands out due to Cheekz's contribution.

Song Kry featuring T00 Vex and Chassity - falls short in terms of cadence, missing the mark overall. The use of the "Song Cry" sample and Jersey bounce seems forced, lacking a natural flow. While T00 Vex has some decent parts that could fit better in a different song, Chassity's entry on the track doesn't smoothly transition due to pitch and tone differences.

Harder Than Me -  aims to establish L3xxington as the best in the game. The line "I ain't put a feature on it so ima give it to 'em raw like I'm beating on it" stands out as her best line, showcasing her ability to deliver impactful lines without the need for collaborations.

Akt Like You Know featuring Fuego Fresh - L3xxington reiterates her status as the self-proclaimed best, highlighting the desire of others to emulate her style. Feugo Fresh's contribution to the hook is solid, displaying great cadence and delivery. His verse is the icing on the cake making this song stand out as the potential single to push

Heat Check Featuring 2DaMoney - Hot in here sample by nelly 

Gangsta Love featuring Chassity, Steve Wray Jr. and T00Vex - exhibits potential in its hook and overall singing, but the mix lacks a polished finish. Around the 1:28 mark, as the hook transitions to Chassity's verse, a jarring clip sound effect pierces the ear, disrupting the flow of the song. Additionally, at the 1:56-1:57 mark, there is a sudden skip that gives the impression of a cut-and-paste moment.

1-800-Therapy featuring Cheekz - boasts a captivating and fitting song title. Cheekz begins the song with a powerful and impactful delivery, setting the tone right from the start. A standout line from Cheekz's verse is "Never go against the grain, so I keep them here with me."

Petty featuring Shug and creamsig_1x, - the verses give off the impression of sounding like three different songs. The approach that Shug took in his verse should have set the overall vibe for the song. His playful and energetic delivery brings a party-ready, 2-step type of atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the intended mood. This angle that Shug brings to the track would have been better suited as the overarching vibe, providing a cohesive and engaging experience for the listeners. (No longer on the album)

Pop Shit - More of the same affirmations from  L3xxington (No longer on the album)  

B.I.G featuring Chassity and Big Synf - generates excitement with its lineup of all women artists. However, the song falls short in delivering compelling bars, as it relies more on statements rather than impactful lyricism. The way the song starts is indicative of how it ultimately concludes, lacking the desired evolution or progression throughout its duration.

Konfessions featuring Profit and Steve Wray Jr - A noteworthy aspect of this song is L3xxington openly expressing that guys are trying to sleep with her even though she has a clear preference for women.

I like that featuring Jay Threezy - Chingy "right thur" sample. 

Lord knows - More of the same affirmations from  L3xxington

Been a freak featuring Shug - Lil John sample (No longer on the album)

Kan We Talk featuring Rick Jones -  Rick Jones sounds a bit like tyga (No longer on the album)

Demon time - featuring  Cheekz - 1:10mark that piercing clipping noise happened again 

Last Year Local featuring Hartford Po - Nothing noteworthy (No longer on the Album)

In terms of the overall composition, the collection of tracks in this particular "album" gives off a vibe that is reminiscent of a mixtape or a playlist rather than a cohesive body of work. The songs seem to be randomly assembled without a unifying theme or a clear message tying them together. One notable aspect of the album is the presence of a dominant producer, which often bodes well for the overall cohesion and sonic consistency of a project. Having one primary producer can contribute to a cohesive sound and ensure a unified musical vision throughout the album. This aspect can be seen as a positive element, as it allows for a cohesive and well-curated sonic experience. However, It's evident that a significant number of known samples were utilized, which raises the impression that one may not have full confidence in their own creative abilities.

The absence of a defined theme or message in the album is as a missed opportunity to explore and convey a specific artistic vision or narrative. A cohesive theme could have served as a guiding force, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in a deeper, more meaningful musical experience. Without such a unifying element, the tracks feel disconnected and lack a sense of purpose.

Furthermore, the reliance on known samples detract from the originality and distinctiveness of the album. While using samples can add nostalgic or familiar elements to a song, it's important to strike a balance and infuse one's own unique style and creativity.