The Two Faces of Future: Atlanta Rapper Releases ‘FUTURE’ and ‘HNDRXX’

Stephanie Hernandez

Future’s self-titled fifth album proves the Atlanta rapper is still navigating through some dark waters. Hitting us with the first of two February releases, “FUTURE” is a 17-track album presented completely in lieu of any features from other artists. Though some might find this strange, this self-titled record is truly an oeuvre for his hardcore fans that live for his more underground work found on his early mixtapes. The lack of features leaves Future the breathing room to more freely and vulnerably express his signature dark side. Future delves deep into personal struggle on tracks like, “When I Was Broke,” while still leaving room for some modern trap tales on “Zoom,” and “Rent Money.” Though the topics are a bit downcast (as usual), it is clear Future is completely present. Lyrically engaging, something can be said for the man’s ability to materialize some of rap’s most enthralling vocal melodies. Side stepping between street pitilessness and streams of uninhibited consciousness, Future lets the moments of vulnerability truly stand out in between. It is clear there are two distinct sides to Future; the hypnotic, club hitting, pill popping master of darkness and the rapturous Atlanta boy, always ready to stunt at a show. Both sides are shown and celebrated on “FUTURE,” and “HNDRXX.”

While Future’s first record of 2017 is not much of a departure from his recent disheartened ramblings, his second release following just a week later, “HNDRXX,” is much more radio friendly without losing the meat.  Not one to let the dust settle after just one release, Future’s sixth studio record gives hip-hop fanatics something to cheer about. Delving inside the raw sounds unique to Atlanta, according to Future is “HNDRXX.”  

To be honest, it’s the Future album we have all wanted to hear. With big name collaborations, the record takes a more accessible turn. The first stand out moment comes from “Coming Out Strong,” which features the club ready vocals of The Weeknd over Future’s synthesized ramblings. Moving down the 17 track listing, “Use Me,” “Neva Missa Lost,” and “New Illuminati” are transformative, taking well-produced beats and ensuring the hooks will drag you into a trance induced dance. “Selfish” featuring Rihanna rounds out the record with a good amount of smooth synthesized and sexy R&B. Executively produced by longtime friend and confidant DJ Esco, “HNDRXX” proves Future is more than just a one trick pony.

Rounding out February with two records of opposing but complementary sounds, it seems Future’s time sensitive experiment has been a success.  Known for quick turnover between albums, going as little as a month between works, this week sets a new record. His self-titled album clearly gears to please his more underground fan base, whereas “HNDRXX” shows us he is still capable of the magic from his mix tape days. By doing this he shows that prosperity does not have had an adverse effect on his sound. That being said, the scales still tip towards a tormented paranoia. Although we do still find some of that euphoric freedom, both new records definitely leave us longing for more of it.

‘FUTURE‘ released on Feb. 17 and ‘HNDRXX‘ on Feb. 24. Both are available on Apple Music.