In the span of just six years, the boundary-pushing hip-hop crew
BROCKHAMPTON went from underground mixtape buzz to the top of the U.S. charts. And just as quickly as they appeared, they announced their disbandment, capping a dizzyingly prolific existence with a pair of parting gifts to fans. The first of these final albums,
The Family, is essentially a blur of snippets that tell the story of the band, like a biopic played out in tape form. Unlike on past albums (and its sibling
TM, released less than 24 hours later), the only vocals here are from leader
Kevin Abstract, who charts their history and the highs and lows of fame and how it affected their relationships. Reminding fans of how far they'd come, he dials it back to the early days with the sample-heavy, old-school vibes of "Take It Back" and "RZA" (where he compares the collective to another notable rap "boy band" from Staten Island). Later, he grapples with interpersonal struggles -- both within the group and with family, friends, and fans -- on "(Back From The) Road" and "Basement."
Abstract takes time to show thanks ("37th") and bask in their successes (on the triumphant "Boyband," he reminds listeners, "We did an album in a weekend!" atop joyful gospel backing). Production -- courtesy of
bearface,
boylife, and
Romil Hemnani -- is the star on tracks such as the martial "Gold Teeth," the slapping "Southside," and "Basement," which include wisps of industrial edge, and the introspective ballad "Any Way You Want Me." Meanwhile,
Abstract shines on showcases "Big Pussy" and "The Ending," both packed with dense, brutally honest bars. Closing with the fittingly titled "Brockhampton," shout-outs and mea culpas abound, getting past the drama and focusing on the good times together. In typical
BROCKHAMPTON fashion, all the insightful honesty and heartfelt confessions are punctuated with riotous in-studio cries of "It's solo time!" atop infectious laughter. Throughout their ephemeral time on the scene,
BROCKHAMPTON have consistently been on an upward trajectory, improving upon each previous effort with the maturity and skill of much more seasoned artists. Ending this part of their story with grace and simplicity,
The Family is not only a thank-you letter to fans but to the guys themselves -- a band of brothers who came, conquered, and clocked out while still on top. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
