CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE)

NF's new mixtape "CLOUDS" sees the Michigan rapper straddle the same subject matter, same flows and same production style as always, but with a little more awareness and a little less angst. I'd say this is a step in the right direction for NF as the beats selected for this project are much more agreeable - it still feels like he's in an Avengers trailer but at least this time there are attempts to bring orchestral sounds into it. I don't want to get into the whole "fast rap is bad" conversation, but I will say NF's flows sound more like a cool party trick than a listenable piece of art. At the end of the day: if you enjoy "CLOUDS" then good for you, but I'd be lying if I said I will be returning to this mixtape.
45/100
Favourites: "JUST LIKE YOU", "CLOUDS"