A lot of people dislike rap music. I have one friend who dislikes rap music because all artists rap about is money, drugs and women. I reject that notion. Rap and hip hop come in so many different styles and flavors. If you’re looking for some great storytelling about a young man’s life in Compton, go for a little Kendrick Lamar with Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Looking for some poppy, uplifting rap with an artist unashamed with his relationship with God? Try Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book.

However, there are some artists who embrace this stereotypical style and make it all their own. Enter Culture, the sophomore album from Southern rap trio Migos. Since its release late last month, Culture has already climbed to the top of the Billboard 200 list, their first album to do so. Like any modern rap album, it wouldn’t be complete without it’s cast of contributing members such as DJ Khaled, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and Travis Scott.

Migos falls into a small category of southern trap rap. Specifically, they come from the birthplace of southern rap, Atlanta. Migos shares plenty of similarities with fellow Atlanta rappers such as Lil Yachty, Young Thug, Future and Metro Boomin. I would describe these artists as trap hip hop artists. Culture fits right along in that mold.

The album starts off with its title track, featuring a decent beat and DJ Khaled. “How the f*** you f***boys ain’t gon’ act like Migos ain’t reppin’ the culture? They rep the culture from the streets,” shouts Khaled as the track winds down. Call Casting feels like the drug inspired songs of Danny Brown with much less cleverness.

The first single off Culture is the best song of the album. It’s also the song that produced the best memes. Bad and Boujee runs on all cylinders. Metro Boomin provides a real solid beat that backs some tight rhymes. It’s easily the catchiest song off the album. Personally, I’m looking forward to watching fraternities feature this song in their Variety Show performance.

The album has its ups and downs. It’s a pretty standard trap rap album—it didn’t surprise me or wow me. I’m looking forward to having its songs featured at every party for the next three months. By the end of those three months, there’ll be another song and another album sweeping the nation.

Rating: 2.5/5