What Impact does “I Never Liked You” Have on Rapper Future’s Future?
Today’s music is run by major hip-hop artists like Drake, Kanye, Jay Z, Travis Scott, Future, and many more. The albums released by these musical geniuses have changed the lives of many. From working out to vibing by yourself, hip-hop in itself is in its own league. One of these artists, Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, also known professionally as Future, released a new album last month titled “I Never Liked You”. This new album contains 22 songs, with features from Kanye, Gunna, Young Thug, Tems, Lil Baby, BabyFace Ray, 42 Dugg, Lil Durk, and Young Scooter. It is projected to debut at No. 1 on the U.S. album charts, scaling 175,000 to 200,000 equivalent units in its first week. Future has released merchandise such as hoodies, socks, long-sleeve tees, a balaclava, hats, and an eye mask. The artist also hopes to perform these new songs live in anticipation of going on tour soon.
Nayvadius Wilburn grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been called one of the most influential rappers of all time. Since coming into the music scene in 2010, Future has produced six studio albums, 12 mixtapes, 61 singles, and 33 music videos. Based on 2022 income statistics, the rapper has a net worth of approximately $40 million dollars and rakes in another $23 million each year. He is wildly popular among teenage audiences, so what do they think of his new album?
Jaden Hollohand, a Pennridge Senior, was asked about the new releases. In response, Hollohand states, “The production is lacking compared to his more thought out music”. Hollohand’s favorite song was “Keep it Burning”, and claims that he thought Kanye carried the entire album. “I would say his old work is better and he’s becoming kinda washed,” Hollohand explains. Another student, Clint Preston, was asked to rate the album on a scale from one to ten. Preston rates, “Without the deluxe edition the album is a solid 8/10. With the deluxe edition it’s like a 7”. Even with the high praise for the album, Preston agrees that “his age is starting to show” and “He’s not as good as he used to be”.
Throughout the course of Future’s career, he has been featured on ten studio albums, 74 music videos, two EP’s, and 117 singles. He has received three Grammys, four BET Awards, an MTV Award, an iHeartRadio Award, an NCAAP Award, a Teen’s Choice Award, Top 100 Billboard, and many more. But could Future’s future be in the past? Could this new album be the beginning of the end for this legendary artist? Rate the album for yourself on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and many other music streaming services.
Jude D'Agostino, Grade 12, Interest/hobbies include lifting, basketball, NHS, Younglife, playing Xbox, hanging with friends, and sleeping. Jude plans to...