LaKeva Lewis // Contributing writer
When the hit single “Trap Queen” made its debut earlier this summer, my first thought wasn’t “this is going to be hit.” But as the song made its way through every radio station, it became evident that Fetty Wap’s signature sound was unavoidable. Selling over 129,000 albums its first week, Fetty Wap’s self-titled freshman album sold over 4.5 million tracks to date, and broke the record for highest share of online streamers with over 39 million this week alone. Serving as the breakout hit for the album, “Trap Queen” set the stage for the artist’s path to the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart.
Many assumed because of the overnight success of “Trap Queen” that Fetty Wap would not be able to maintain his popularity after his first hit single. By the mid-September, Fetty’s first three singles –– “679,” “My Way,” and “Trap Queen” let the world know Fetty was not a flash in the pan.
The tracks on Fetty Wap don’t contain a common underlying message. Each of the 20 songs could stand alone or be released as another single. Fetty Wap made it a point to display his musical strengths: catchy hooks, tight baselines and his unique singing voice are all parts of Fetty’s distinct musical index.
“RGF Island” is a booming, boastful and dedicated song in which Fetty sings of his loyalty to his group.
“Rock My Chain” is a love story of sorts, providing an airy and yearning tone towards the end of the album. Fetty Wap sometimes feels like a romantic album since Fetty often resorts to singing about his love for his friends and women. “Rewind” is an R&B jam to a girl that Fetty loves but who loves someone else. “D.A.M” is a song of intense infatuation. “Again” is a another ode to a lady love, that takes of lot of its lyrics from “Trap Queen.”
Going from an unknown rapper to the top of the billboard charts is an amazing feat that aspiring artists everywhere wish to accomplish. Fetty Wap’s sound is so different that it’s hard to ignore. People who listen to Fetty Wap may not take much from the songs after the first listen, but the album itself represents something more: the classic underdog story.
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To contact Lifestyles editor Rhiannon Gilbert email [email protected]