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“Same Damn Time,” “Benz Friends (Whatchutola)” and “Mask Off” are among the picks for ‘The Best Song from Each Future Album.’

When Future arrived in the game, I wasn’t a fan. Like Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), “I had doubts” about him.  There were some redeeming songs on Pluto that made me give Honest a fair shake. Still, it wasn’t until DS2 that the Atlanta rapper earned more respect from yours truly.  Over the years, I have reviewed the notable studio albums by the rapper, so I thought it would be fun to pick ‘the best song’ from each album.  Disclaimer: By best, I mean my favorite, with justifiable reason as to why it’s my favorite.  Without further ado, here’s The Best Songs from Each Future Album.

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1. “Same Damn Time”

Pluto • Epic • 2012

As aforementioned, when Pluto, the debut album by Future came out, I wasn’t feeling it.  At that time, the rapper was starkly different from a majority of his contemporaries, offering a more melodic, autotune heavy approach. Still, there was a gem to be found in “Same Damn Time,” where he successfully balanced the quirky with the hard-hitting, biting rhymes. With Sonny Digital behind the boards delivering incredibly malicious production (those synths and that beat), Future dropped a banger that still remains among my favorites.

“I wear Gucci, I wear Bally at the same damn time/ On the phone, cooking dope, at the same damn time.”

Also Considered: “Parachute” & “Neva End”

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2. “Benz Friendz (Whatchutola)”

Ft. André 3000

Honest • Epic • 2014

“I told that bitch I don’t give a fuck about Benz, bitch / And I don’t want no bitch who need to have that kind of friendship /… And I don’t want no bitch who need that kind of n*gga, scram, ho.” The top-echelon gem of Honest, the second studio LP by Future, is “Benz Friendz (Whatchutola).” “Benz Friendz,” featuring the legendary André 3000 is nothing short of a trip.  The aforementioned hook, performed by André 3000, is glorious, in a most explicit, unapologetic way. Basically, Dré and Future don’t want a gold digger.  Dré may steal the show, but Future is ‘on’ as well, particularly potent on the jointly-performed third verse:

“I told that girl, I told that girl tell the truth / Say she the realest bitch I ever met, then show me some proof / These girls be droppin’ these lies, these girls be makin’ shit up / She don’t wanna stand in my line, she tryna come to the front.”

Well produced and electrifying to listen to, ultimately, “Benz Friendz” is definitely at or near the top of Future’s overall output.

Also Considered: “Move That Dope”

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3. “Thought It Was a Drought”

DS2 • Epic • 2015

“I just f*cked your bitch in some Gucci flip flops / I just had some bitches and I made ‘em lip lock / I just took a piss and I seen codeine coming out / We got purple Actavis, I thought it was a drought.” From my perspective, the best Future album is DS2 (Dirty Sprite 2).  This album is among the most ‘druggy’ of the 2010s, yet the druggy nature happens to be part of the magic.  Likely, others will opt for other choices, but personally, opener “Thought It Was A Drought” is my pick for the album’s best. It’s about lean which is nothing to glorify, but this ‘high-flying’ rap ballad is simply irresistible for whatever reason.

Also Considered: “I Serve the Base,” “Where Ya At,” “Stick Talk” & “Blow a Back”

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4. Drake & Future, “I’m the Plug”

What a Time to Be Alive • Epic / Cash Money • 2015

“Draped in all designer, draped in all designer.” Sigh, I know, I know – most people would select “Jumpman.” Taylor Swift falling off the treadmill getting hyped up by the Drake/Future collab in the Apple Music commercial is almost reason enough to select “Jumpman.” Originally, I selected “Jumpman” too. BUT, being nonconformist, I went with the less high-profile banger, “I’m the Plug.” Simply put, there’s some surefire charm about the smooth, Southside produced flex cut.  Sure, Future isn’t exactly eloquent, rapping about “exotic bitches” and having “all these fucking whips and ain’t got no payments,” but truly is ‘Super Future’ on this one, particularly on the bridge.

“Pink slips sitting in the dashboard with me / Got a gang of broads riding with me, on drugs with me / Got a gang of cash on me like I bought the plug with me / N*ggas looking for the plug, n*gga, I’m the plug really.”

Also Considered: “Diamonds Dancing,” Scholarships” & “Jumpman”

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5. “In Her Mouth”

EVOL • Epic • 2016 

“I’m tryna f*ck the DA lady in her mouth though / Hit some R&B shit on the jet though / I got stacks on me…” Hmm, yet another album where I was torn between a couple of highlights for Future.  Obviously, I went against the grain with “In Her Mouth,” a non-single, and maybe even a non-highlight in some’s eyes. Despite being profane and totally inappropriate, he seems to be sending an ‘FU’ to the District Attorney. Beyond his ‘FU,’ he also makes a sex joke in the process.  Furthermore, there are R&B singers who he plans to have sex with… He goes on to rap:

“They got my dawg, violate a hundred bodies / I’m ‘bout to cash out on a new Bugatti / I’m ‘bout to pay the police off, John Gotti.”

Translation: The Feds have got a case on his homie, he’s about to get a new Bugatti, and he’s going to pay off the cops. Maybe there are better songs in other’s eyes (my second choice was “Lil Haiti Baby” as opposed to single “Low Life”), but as for me and my ears, I’m totally sold on “In Her Mouth.”

Also Considered: “Xanny Family,” “Lil Haiti Baby,” “Photo Copied” & “Low Life”

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6.“Mask Off”

FUTURE • Epic • 2017

Future starts of his self-titled album with a bang with “Rent Money,” not to mention bangers with the likes of “Poppin’ Tags.” Nonetheless, it is monstrous hit “Mask Off” that most tickles my fancy. The production features the signature southern rap drums that characterize the album, but the sound is lighter. This change of pace adds some variance.  Depth is an issue, but Future has his reflective moments. The druggy hook is the crème de la crème:

“Percocets, molly, Percocets … / Rep the set, gotta rep the set / Chase a check, never chase a bitch / Mask on, f*ck it, mask off … / Percocets, molly, Percocets / Chase a check, never chase a bitch / Don’t chase no bitches.”

Also Considered: “Rent Money,” “Zoom,” “Draco,” “Poppin’ Tags,” “When I Was Broke” & “Feds Did a Sweep”

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7. “Comin Out Strong”

Ft. The Weeknd

HNDRXX • Epic • 2017

The Weeknd feature wasn’t picked on EVOL, but he gets the nod on the flex-fest “Comin Out Strong.”  Honestly, Abel Tesfaye is Future’s secret weapon, delivering a beautiful verse and chorus. For The Weeknd, this is like “Reminder” 2.0. On the chorus, he asserts himself: “They take my kindness for weakness / Still comin’ out strong.” Future saves the last two verses for himself, drenched in autotune.  To his credit, he doesn’t employ his usual brand of mumble rap – he’s decipherable. Like his partner-in-crime, he flexes his muscles. The third verse is arguably the most interesting, particularly where he highlights his legal issues:

“You turned your back, I shouldn’t have ever gave you a chance / I got four lawyer fees, shit ain’t ever end…”

Also Considered: “My Collection,” “Damage,” “Use Me,” “Turn on Me,” “Selfish” & “Solo”

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8. Future & Young Thug, “Real Love”

Super Slimey • Epic • 2017

Super Slimey wasn’t among my favorite projects by Future, who collaborates with Young Thug.  Still, this felt like a collaboration that should happen given both rapper’s idiosyncratic, melodic approaches to rhyming. The best song is arguably “Real Love,” which retains the dark tilt of the album, but it also has a more romantic vibe. This record is a bit eccentric, particularly with Thugger leading the charge, but there’s a charm – definitely a vibe.  Perhaps catchy isn’t the best way to characterize the hook, but like the record as a whole, there’s a charm.

“All this fake love got me damaged / I can’t take it, I just popped another Xanny / I’m f*ckin’ on your bitch when I land in the States from another planet / Fly as a bitch when I make mistakes, and I don’t plan it, yeah.”

Future remains true to self on the second verse.  He doesn’t say anything game changing, but he rides the beat well.  Again, the project isn’t at the top of the rapper’s discography, but “Real Love” is among the highlights.

Also Considered: “No Cap,” “All da Smoke,” “Patek Water” & “Feed Me Dope”

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9. “DOH DOH”

Ft. Young Scooter

Beast Mode 2 • Epic • 2018 

Now at home stretch, there have been omissions (no Beast Mode or Superfly soundtrack), as well as what some will perceive as snubs in ‘best picks.’ Whatever – merely my opinion anyways.  From Future’s nine-track mixtape, Beast Mode 2, the best song is “DOH DOH,” featuring Young Scooter, the sole featured guest on the project. While Scooter gives Future a lift, Future himself showcases more oomph, particularly on the stellar hook.

“Take no days off, I get dough, dough, dough / Lift the AK up, swagin’ door, door, doors / 36 ounces raw, I smell blow, blow, blow / Count it up, count it up, count it up, I get more, more, more.”

Also Considered: “WIFI LIT,” “RACKS BLUE” & “HATE THE REAL ME”

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Photo Credit: Epic

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