August 26th opens up with “Never Understand”, a new track composed of a solid beat, some verses where Post spends time flowing about the lifestyle he lives, and drops a hook that will be stuck in your head the rest of the day. Hook writing is an area of Malone’s music where he has continuously seen success. Whether we are talking about the tracks released prior to August 26th, or the tape’s first track “Never Understand”, or even other cuts from the tape, the common denominator is the instantly-captivating hooks. Post’s hooks are the definition of the word. Each track he releases can almost always be counted on to come with a silky smooth chorus. “Never Understand” certainly made for an interesting opening track, that is undeniable. However, other songs off the tape such as “40 Funk” and “Git Wit U” that have the same recurring theme of getting intoxicated through drugs, booze, and sleeping with various women, are not necessarily songs we did not enjoy, but they do start to create a feeling or redundancy. This redundancy leads fans and listeners in general to wonder if Malone’s lyrical depth has peaked.
One track that fans seem to really be enjoying, but when actually looked at under a microscope could almost be described as disappointing, is “Monte”. “Monte” is somewhat of a pseudo-sequel or form of follow up to “White Iverson”. The track’s hook features several bars where Post lets listeners know that he “feels like Monte”, which we assume is a reference to NBA star Monta Ellis. At first listen, this track feels like one of the best on the tape. After a few plays though, even this begins to feel watered down – especially once Lil Yachty hops on the beat and lays down what could be considered as one of the better verses on the project. Two other big features came from 2 Chainz and Jeremih. 2 Chainz assisted with the second track “Money Made Me Do It”, which also serves as a chance for Post to pay his respects to Bankroll Fresh on another hook he can take right to the bank. Jeremih jumps on the fifth track “Fuck”, which is one for the ladies that also features some of Post’s best work on the tape.
As a whole, August 26th was not a failure by any means. That being said, some could also question how much of a success Post’s mixtape debut actually was. While the project definitely contains songs that listeners can vibe too and sing along with, that is about as much as it does contain. Malone does a great job when it comes to making tracks regarding his drug usage and ability to pull women as he builds his buzz, and he is responsible for cooking up some of the catchiest hooks coming out. There is just only so many ways to talk about the same topics before the become redundant, which is our concern with the project. Sure we would have loved to hear Post go a little harder on some tracks, but our issue was with the repetitive feeling the project gave off from track to track. Although, we are also aware of and open to the idea that Malone may not need to have more depth within his lyrics; especially in today’s music scene with the talent he has already. The young Texas native has made incredible strides in his career thus far, and built himself up a loyal fan base with his style of music. The fact alone that he has this large following of loyal listeners who don’t seemed phased at all by the lyrical depth but rather captivated with Post’s ability to work a melody could be all the emcee needs. For now the only thing to do is wait and watch how the tape is continued to be perceived.
Takeaway: Post Malone demonstrates more than ever how talented he is when it comes to cooking up hooks; as well as writing about drugs, booze, and women on his mixtape debut August 26th. However, it only takes a couple listens before the tape begins to feel redundant. Thus creating the question on whether Post Malone can continue to ride the wave his music talents have provided, or if fans will begin to tire of each release seeming to be very similar in theme.
Best Tracks: “Money Made Me Do It”, “Fuck”
Worst Track: “Oh God”