Offset, a member of rap group Migos, released his first solo album last Thursday. Offset is the third and final Migo to release a solo album after Quavo and Takeoff.
Offset revealed his album title via Instagram with one of his four kids whispering “‘Father of 4’ on the way” in the post. Shortly after, Offset revealed the album tracklist which consists of 16 songs at just under an hour in run time.
“Father of 4” (FO4) features Quavo, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Gunna a J. Cole feature that was “snuck in at the buzzer,” which might be the best verse off the album. The solo project also features Offset’s wife Cardi B, as well as Cee-Lo Green and Gucci Mane.
Wanting to keep his tracklist, album title and release date a secret, the Atlanta rapper delayed FO4 for several months. In the past couple weeks Offset took to social media to reveal more details on his solo album.
“Red Room,” the only single released prior to FO4, set the tone of what the album was going to feel and sound like. Offset revealed the album was extremely personal and “Red Room” came along with a music video. With the release of “Red Room,” accompanied with the music video, I was extremely excited for the album. I wasn’t able to quit playing this single that showed Offset’s capability to rap on his own over a very smooth and eloquent beat.
Offset also tweeted that producers Metro Boomin and Southside were behind the beats of his solo project. Once the album finally arrived, fans were not disappointed.
Offset is personally my favorite member of Migos. You can always count on Offset to deliver a cadence and flair that their records need. Offset has many solid features on other rappers’ songs, but some critics questioned if he was able to make the same hits by himself. Fans caught a glimpse of his ability with his joint album “Without Warning” in 2017 with 21 Savage.
FO4 was inspired by Offset’s four kids: Jordan, Kody, Kalea and Kulture. The latter, who he had with Cardi B, was publicly known, but Offset noted he didn’t think people knew he had three other children. On the album, Offset stressed the hard times of being a parent, trying to become a better father and his love for his children. It was a pleasant surprise to hear how personal and transparent the rapper was on this album.
Songs like, “Father of 4,” “How Did I Get Here,” “Red Room,” “Don’t Lose Me” and “Came A Long Way” reveal more about Offset’s personal struggles and triumphs. The track “After Dark” tells about when he lost one of his partners in the streets. Tracks like these sum up the personal level that Offset brings on the album.
As I listened to the album, I immediately thought about where it ranked compared to Quavo and Takeoff’s solo albums. FO4 is more complete than “QUAVO HUNCHO” and “The Last Rocket,” because of the flows, variety of wordplay, and song content. FO4 also contains hits like “Wild Wild West,” “Tats on My Face”, “Legacy”, “Clout” and “On Fleek.” What sets Offset apart from other rappers is the multiple aspects of his style that contribute to the songs. He has the keen ability of adding the perfect ad-libs, rhyming words and his famous flow.
Offset did not disappoint in his first solo album. This album is Offset taking responsibility, revealing the truths behind some of the mistakes and also giving viewers a look into his life and perhaps a better understanding of who he is. My favorite songs on the album have to be “Red Room”, “How Did I Get Here”, “Wild Wild West” and “Made Men.” I think this album is the best solo album of the the group and I can see this album staying hot throughout the rest of 2019.