Nathaniel Clark – A&E Editor

nuc5002@psu.edu

On Jan. 27, Lil Yachty, or Miles Parks McCollum, released his first album 2020s “Lil Boat 3.” While not even half a decade old, “Lil Boat 3” is an interesting project for modern rap. Released just before drill music became the dominant sound, the project is filled with the stale, tiresome, and dated trap music which had defined the genre of rap in the late 2010s. Even with features from the likes of Tyler, the Creator, Young Thug, and Drake, the project still faltered. If Lil Yachty wanted to stay afloat, he needed to change. 

First was his 2021 mixtape “Michigan Boy Boat” which highlighted the sounds and upcoming artists from the quickly budding Detroit rap scene. While this was better than “3,” Yachty felt more like the mouthpiece for these new acts than establishing himself in their sound. 

There was also “Poland” which first leaked in September and then officially released in October of 2022. With production by Working on Dying’s F1LTHY, Yachty released what were some of his most unique vocal deliveries to date. Wrapped in warbly effects and plucky synths, the one-and-a-half-minute trip became Yachty’s biggest song in a while. Many people believed this sort of sound would be Yachty’s new musical venture. Oh, how that could not have been so far from the truth. 

“Let’s Start Here” was announced ten days before its official release on Jan. 27. Self-described as “Chapter 2” by Yachty, the record has brought in one of the most surprising left turns in modern music. Lil Boat hung up his samples and grabbed a guitar. Rapping Lil Yachty is gone, all that remains in his place is pure psychedelic rock.

Lil Yachty is not the first mainstream rapper to make rock music. Artists such as Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi have both gone down similar paths with various levels of effectiveness. What separates Yachty from these groups was how entirely committed he was to this change. 

Rather than relying on his own devices, Lil Boat looked toward modern psych-rock pioneers for assistance. He changed out Drake for icons like Mac Demarco, Alex G, and Ariel Pink. Yachty went more experimental as well, grabbing hyperpop duo Magdelena Bay for production assistance. 

These favors go for more than just the production but also the vocals themselves. One of the biggest issues with rapper-turned-rocker albums is the relative vocal inexperience of the parties involved. With Yachty suffering from this issue, he brought in various RnB and pop singers to fill in some of his gaps. The likes of Teezo Touchdown, Daniel Caesar, Fousheé, and more, these singers brought a level of expertise to the project. As you may expect, all of these favors worked out in spades. 

The project opens with “the BLACK seminole.” After some building synths, the rest of the band comes in. Following the laid-back tempo of the vocals leaves the production feeling very Pink Floyd-inspired. Even the effects-heavy guitar solo feels right out of “Dark Side of the Moon.” Yachty’s lyrics wax about his new life and world, describing himself as “a black man with mouths to feed.” 

“the ride-” is when the “Let’s Start Here” really begins to move. Drenched in psychedelic flair, Lil Yachty and collaborator Teezo Touchdown define their trips on the road of mental health. “Making eye contact to suicide,” the two musicians invite individuals to join them, noting they do not want to be alone with their thoughts on this journey. 

“running out of time” is the most low-tempo song on the project thus far. Reminiscent of Tame Impala, Yachty attempts to plead with his partner, wanting them to stay as he knows their relationship is “running out of time.” Keeping with the thematic stagnation, the production done by Magdelena Bay and company stays at a similar tempo and pace throughout until quietly fading at the song’s end.

“:(failure(:” is one of the most interesting songs I have heard in a while. Over light piano and guitar strumming, Lil Yachty divulges his thoughts on failure in spoken word passages. Letting the audience into his psyche, the musician discusses his recent failings in producing new artwork and enjoying his “rich and famous” lifestyle. After deciding to look at everything as “it could be worse.” Yachty disappears as backing vocals and hums fill the void left. 

“drive ME crazy!” is the most disco-driven song of the whole album. With lead vocals by Diana Gordon, Lil Yachty takes a back seat. By the second verse, Diana and Yachty are swinging back and forth as they look back on the good times. 

“IVE OFFICIALLY LOST ViSiON!!!!” is the record at its crazy. With an experimental and obtuse introduction, a roaring guitar quickly blasts. Revving up, the song explodes as Yachty exclaims the effects left by his extreme drug use. After another exclamation of substance abuse, the track suddenly dies down. Rising from the wreckage is Diana Gordon to deliver another fantastic verse. Her voice in conjunction with the piano gives me goosebumps. Even when Yachty returns, her yelps present in the background remind me of “The Great Gig in the Sky.”

The last three songs all blend one into another. Starting with “should i B?,” Yachty wonders if he should be mad at his partner for cheating on him. This track immediately leads into “The Alchemist.” With pounding drums and a shriek-like delivery from Yachty, the interludes from Fousheé act in direct contrast. Finally we “REACH THE SUNSHINE.” As Daniel Caesar wonders if the journey was worth it, Yachty embraces the production until he fully succumbs. The album’s final moments are spent like a setting sun as the song is reduced to its barest elements until the project concludes. 

“Let’s Start Here” was a risk that worked out in spades for Lil Yachty. With the best critical reception he has had since his debut mixtape, this may be the artistic rejuvenation that Lil Boat needed to keep going. If you are a fan of psychedelic or indie pop and rock, this is a project that you do not want to miss.