Futuristic releases his hip hop major label debut album As Seen on the Internet, a forward thinking production that mixes content with class. A number of unique collaborations feature throughout the record, adding depth in lyrical harmony and self-referential quirkiness. Yet the strength of the record remains in the rapper’s abilities, completely adept in sound and delivery.
Old school modem garbles segue to apocalyptic toned opening track “Mindcraft” trap beats over a slew of internet and meta references. Futuristic flows effortlessly in “The Time is Now,” which push listeners to do something substantial, featuring the madness of Shia LeBouf’s motivational message. To continue the message further, “Do It” gets a little braggadocio going on all that’s been achieved, from big bills to his singing and twerking girl Lexy. “Antisocial” gets quirky and honest self-admitting the rapper’s habits to stay in his own business, from personal growth stories to watching television like a grandpa. Synth warbles and Hopsin feature heavily in “Scrollin” as the whole lot of them call out all the social media trolls, comfortably safe behind a screen.
Like a briefly sweet interlude, “Biggest Fan” gets harmonious as Futuristic lurks through Instagram, making the song content sound halfway believable. Devvon Terrell brings serious harmony in his request for “Nudes” as an introduction to a relationship leads to something a bit more. “No Service” gets completely self-referential in a total breakdown featuring commentary from the likes of Peter Griffin, God (a.k.a. Morgan Freeman) and Optimus Prime. Honest sentiments sound hollow with “Alone in the City” as Futuristic slowly iterates every misdeed, nevertheless putting the music and pen first. Karmin paints a picture of people following the rising fame of the rapper, from nothing to something and now working his craft better than ever.
Beatboxing and lyrical precision permeate as Futuristic aims to be a “Next Level” that will be the best option to reign atop the rap arena. “See Me Mad” calls out the naysayers in a wall of synth laden beats, highlighting personally complex histories between getting jumped and living in a racist household. Further struggles unfold in an open confessional of watching both loves in relationship and music diverge, to where now the relationship “Can’t Go Back.” Closing track “Hashtag” sees the artist at his most tongue-in-cheek moment and every purpose and activity up for grabs, at least those as seen on the internet.
Honestly, As Seen on the Internet is a difficult follow. Futuristic mixes every guilty pleasure including social swagger to outright nerdiness. Though his most lovable quality is sheer talent. The beats are incredibly on point, the raps ridiculously good. Content may be a bit all over the place, though as reflected in both artist name and album title that content is internet king.