Phenom. Review.

Written By Matthew A. Barley

Although WORTHY is only 21 years old, his latest album, Confidence is the third entry in an already impressive catalog. This Jersey based MC brings old-school flair and energy to pop-rap, a genre which has sorely lacked intensity.

With a raspy and high pitched voice, WORTHY cuts through tracks with frenetic lyricism and a braggadocious air about him. He sets himself apart from his contemporaries with his wit, charm, and ability to reflect on his inner workings.

Despite his age, WORTHY is showing skill and songwriting chops beyond his years. His latest project builds upon themes and ideas from his previous works. The bangers go harder, and he shows more vulnerability in the quieter moments.

Additionally, WORTHY has taken a big leap in his songwriting, with tighter verses and hooks. Confidence doesn’t waste a second of its 20-minute runtime, as WORTHY takes us on a journey through his duality.

Photo by @eyeofgonzo

Thematically, this project is split into two sides: the Confident side, and the Reflective side.

The first four tracks are a masterclass in braggadocios songwriting, while the last three are poignant moments of introspective lyricism.

WORTHY seems to be torn between his different roles. His role as an ego-driven rapper, and his role amongst his loved ones. Struggling to grapple with his ambition for greatness, and his commitment to the relationships that mean the most to him.

Photo by Onur Canik

@onurcan1k

“Y’all Don’t Know Me” is a moody, minimalist introduction with production handled by WORTHY'S longtime collaborator, BROCK. He opts for minimal pads, booming 808s, twinkling hi-hats, and a tight snare. This backdrop is the perfect atmosphere for WORTHY to slyly brag on his accomplishments.

“Ten Toes Down” is a triumphant banger, with epic horns, a destructive 808, a punchy snare, and consistent hi-hats. WORTHY uses this magnificent beat to elevate himself, slicing through this instrumental with a visceral energy. The ending of the song provides an almost perfect transition to the following track “Plan”. The rhythm of the horns is almost perfectly reflected in the following vocal sample.

“Plan” is a digitally-influenced banger, with production handled by producers Olas and Teal, respectively. This track features a chopped and filtered vocal sample, clipped 808s, floating keys, and complex hi-hat patterns. A true high point of the album, this ambient beat is a glorious opportunity for WORTHY to test a variety of different flows and hooks. “Plan” is a great example of WORTHY'S improved songwriting, as he balances verses, choruses, and post choruses to constantly keep the song feeling fresh.

“IDK YA” is the last track on the first side of the project. The groovy, Harlow-esque instrumental is handled by BERK. This beat opts for a thumpy 808, cowbells, flutes, keys, 16th note hi-hats, and a swaggery clap. Over this punchy but subdued instrumental, WORTHY comes through with an unrelenting flow to brag of his lifestyle. The punchy beat stops transition perfectly to the next side of the album.

Photo by Onur Canik

@onurcan1k

“Philosophy” is a standout track, with Kanye/J Cole influenced production. This soulful instrumental is handled by OLAS, making it his second appearance on the album. The instrumental features flips of a shimmering soul-sample (made up of vocals, strings, bells, and pianos), punchy boom-bap drums, and an electric bass. This track is a perfect bridge between the Confident and Reflective styles. It is upbeat enough to still induce some serious head-bobbing, but also provides a thoughtful backdrop. WORTHY uses this instrumental to both brag, but also reflect on how far he has come as a person. Additionally, “Philosophy” is notable for containing the only featured verse by DESIGNERDAVE. DESIGNERDAVE takes the torch from WORTHY and runs with it, tying the themes together with his final verse.

“Yesterday” is when things fully shift to a new sound. With production handled by MARK HACZ, “Yesterday” features beautiful synth pads, sub bass, and minimal but thumpy drums to provide an almost LoFi feel to the track. Here, WORTHY really pulls back the curtain to write a letter to his future self, in the hopes that he’ll being doing better than he is in the present. It is a beautiful sentiment that WORTHY handles well, dishing off the chorus to singer AAKRITI RAJ. This is the only sung/melodic vocal in the project, and it provides an incredible breath of fresh air, especially during such an emotionally vulnerable moment.

With, “still moving.” BROCK takes the wheel back for the final track on the album. This song has a subdued latin groove, accented by a simple kick, accented toms, synth, bass, and minimal snare. This track is a fantastic emotional end to our journey with WORTHY, as it provides a sentimental moment of reflection. Here, WORTHY speaks on his anxieties, muses on his future in rap, and reflects on his personal growth. This song is the definitive core of the project, and is the perfect sendoff. Leaving us listeners curious as to where WORTHY will head to next….

Photo by @eyeofgonzo

Confidence shows WORTHY as a phenomenal curator and sculptor of tracks. He managed to orchestrate a concise and cohesive project that allows him to both turn up, and express himself vulnerably. His 3rd installment shows him as a gifted artist who only seems to get better with time. We can only imagine what the future holds for WORTHY, but with his innate lyrical ability and ear for instrumentals, the sky is truly the limit.

WORTHY is a member of the independent multi-media company PHENOM FOREVER.

Posted by Phenom Forever 3.4.23