"IT IS WHAT IT IS" A.K.A. Your Party's New Headliner

Running out of tunes to keep the vibe flowing? yksopretty’s new album is the perfect contender – smooth vocals, hooks, and a never ending lineup of bangers that will surely make the party stay afloat. It’s like getting dragged by an overspeeding car on a highway while they’re playing music on full blast.

There’s a lot of wonders in the world of hip-hop and R&B music, but “IT IS WHAT IT IS” stands out a bit more with its overall electronic effects and ambience, as well as creative never-seen-before concepts. More importantly, every song goes on about usual fun stuff, some unhinged, that would definitely catch people’s attention.

“BGBS”, which stands for ‘big gas, big smoke’, immediately sweeps listeners off their feet with the party vibes, with every component sounding smooth and techie. The entire album sounds exactly like an entire station on the radio, a station where there’s nothing but fun. The delivery of “Money might crease, but I won’t fold” is catchy and clever in itself; it might not only seem and sound cool, but actually implies how resistance and authenticity trumps fortune and material.

If you think that preliminary song sounds awesome, wait until you hear “PLEXUS”, a track revolving around the theme of a phone call, or a call in general: “Ain’t no calling my phone, no I ain’t calling back”. The little snippets of ringing and actual audio one would hear from a call adds a nice touch; the electronic synth hits really good, and the party scene ambience is maintained.

These songs – nay, this whole record – is not for the faint of heart. It’s all at high speed, almost wanting the audience to keep up with its hyperactive nature. We already know that rhyming is yksopretty’s forte, but it’s just addicting in “KEITH FLINT”, and the melodies and effects are timed perfectly, knowing where and when to come in.

“LUVV” contains a slow motion effect, a new, distinct feature. Not only are the deliveries amazing, but the songwriting is witty and fun as well: “Donkey rope / Call me anything but broke”, but also expresses what the song intends to feel and promote as well; with lines like “I’m on the roof / But you barely can see the room” and “Everybody on me lately / Naw, I don’t even talk to them”, it’s clear that it’s somewhat of a clap back or response to those who talk bad about him, the narration of him just living his life ensues.

The same theme follows the remainder of the tracks. “OMEN” is about the kind of omens he gets. It’s also just a catchy, alternative party song that also talks about the most unhinged things, such as dancing on the queen’s coffin and “I’m so high, I remember dying”. The effect on the loop in the background is great, like tickling a certain part of your brain.

“20K”’s rhythm is a bit different from the sweeping-you-off-your-feet metaphor. Unique, yet equally fun, something that would definitely make your head bop and leg bounce to it. It explores something about accepting what happens in life, like the album title itself: it is what it is, when someone loves you, they do, and when they don’t, they don’t. Vulnerability somewhat shines through: “I can’t be with somebody that’s never around”. There’s also a switch up at the end that sounds like a slowed up version of the original arrangement, or maybe a completely different one.

Lastly, “XTASii” is an extension of what the other songs have going on in their respective minutes and seconds, about proving whatever people say wrong by pointing out his obvious success and carefree lifestyle. It also provides closure, as sounds and effects start to simmer down and fade, plus points to a great production.

Overall, it’s an energetic album, like hanging out with a wacky, extroverted friend. Something like this deserves the light and day, deserves to be put up in the club where it seemingly belongs, be blasted inside of an open-windowed car, or just be recommended to those who enjoy sick raps and rhymes.