Migos have dropped their highly anticipated album “Culture II,” the follow-up to their 2017 album “Culture.” The new release includes 24 tracks, and this begs the question: are the days of a 12-track album over? Is there a limit to the number of songs that can be put on an album anymore? Recently, rap label Quality Control released a 30-song album in which all members of Migos were featured in many songs. Has the goal become quantity over quality? It seems that the group is trying to make as much content as possible in the shortest amount of time just to throw it at their listeners.
All of this being said, the album turned out to be a complete bust. Receiving terrible reviews and feedback on social media; expectations for the album were not met. The original “Culture” album was iconic, and this did not fulfil the hype.
Aside from the excess of songs and poor reception, the album release was also surrounded by controversy. YFN Lucci released a song called “Boss Life” featuring Migos member, Offset, rapping, “I cannot vibe with queers.” People were fast to speak out against this, and Offset defended himself saying he did not think the definition of “queer” was aimed negatively towards gay people but instead meant “weird, strange.” Ultimately, he ended up apologizing for offending anyone. But this isn’t the first time Migos has dealt with this type of controversy. Last year, Migos member Quavo was under fire for homophobic comments he made in an interview involving rapper iLoveMakonnen.
While not forgetting the homophobia, let’s talk about the misogyny within their music. Yes, the disrespect towards women does not just stop with Migos; it is everywhere in music. For example, women are being called sluts or bitches, being degraded through looks and sex. But I’d like to think we are trying to move to a new era in which women are equal and people are standing up to the misogyny that is embedded in society; the Time’s Up and Me Too movements are starting to hold others accountable for their actions. If people believe in these movements, they should also hold musicians to this standard; Not only Migos who rap homophobic and sexist lyrics, but those who have sexual and domestic abuse allegations against them as well. If these movements are going to have an impact on society, they should be universal within all industries. A powerful message could be sent if people refused to give these artists work when they represent misogyny and homophobia.
Maybe Migos songs are all starting to sound the same, or maybe the controversy has really affected listeners. Whatever it is, this album is not what their fans were hoping.
This article first appeared in the Friday, February 2, 2018, Edition of The Echo.