Album Review: Brent Faiyaz - F**k The World

From my first encounter with Brent Faiyaz’s music, wherein I stumbled on the single Poison on an Apple Music playlist for moody nights, I was immediately struck by his style; not just in production but vocally with his unique phrasing choices and restrained vocal talent. Although Faiyaz is not an artist I follow closely that’s not to say I’m not always keen to hear his newest project.  One aspect of Brent’s artistry that sets him apart from others in his genre is the honesty and relatability of his lyrics. That’s one thing that made me love Talk 2 U off his debut album Sonder Son, and it’s also something that makes that song so enduring.  

F**k The World sounds like an expansion on his 2017 single Natural Release where instead of showing us one painting, he lets us see the whole gallery. The mood is reminiscent of The Weeknd’s early work while also feeling like PARTYNEXTDOOR and with some late 80s R&B thrown in for good measure. Let Me Know would welcome J. Cole on a remix but Brent definitely holds his own by creating commentary on injustices and with hard-hitting lines like “who can I love when they tell me I can’t love myself?”. Rehab (Winter in Paris) sounds like it was missing from the Shaft soundtrack or belongs in 1980’s Harlem. Lost Kids Get Money, so named for Faiyaz’s label Lost Kids, looks back on where he’s come from while also being wary about his future. It’s easy to notice throwback R&B elements but Brent modernises it and makes it his own with this trademark vulgarity and honesty. Been Away sees him desperately pleading for loyalty and trying to say that money isn’t everything, while also using it to save his relationship in a twisted paradox. 

For all the comparisons to similar artists, I don’t believe anyone else could have made this record. At only 27 minutes long, this LP leave you wanting more and is easy to have on repeat as every listen reveals something new. This album sounds fresh and relevant, all the while Brent doesn’t stray from his personal style and from what made his fans love him in the first place.

Reviewed by: Grayson Harris-Paul