BROCKHAMPTON, “The Ending” | Track Review 🎵

[usr 3.5]

With the release of the second single, “The Ending,” Kevin Abstract provides another piece of the pie on the final BROCKHAMPTON album, THE FAMILY.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”2″ size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]022 marks the final chapter of an incredible musical collective, 🎙 BROCKHAMPTON.  The hip-hop-oriented group has one final album up their sleeves, 💿 THE FAMILY.  After throwing everybody off with the 🎙 Kevin Abstract-dominated promo single, 🎵 “Big Pussy”, the ‘collective’ drops a second advance single, 🎵 “The Ending”.  Yes, once again, it is all Kevin Abstract, which, I suppose makes sense given the band’s breakup.  [/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

There isn’t much song on “The Ending” – it runs under two minutes in duration.  Following an intro that highlights a 🎙 Willie Hutch sample, Abstract delivers one verse + outro on the 16^th track from THE FAMILY.  The sound of the record is soulful – how could it not be with Willie Hutch? Anyone who listens to Kevin knows that he doesn’t neglect an opportunity to discuss his sexuality: “Back when I had a ‘fro still / First moved to L.A. / … I was sneaking niggas out in the early morning / After sucking good dick on Sunday morning…” Goes with the territory, I suppose.  Beyond the pleasure, Abstract reflects on the dream to become a superstar and ultimately, achieve it: “I turned my friendship into a business into an empire / Half a million that I wired to my mama, she retired.” The outro is notable, thanks to the line, “This the ending we all envisioned, right?” Food for thought.

Final Thoughts 💭

So, how does 🎵 “The Ending” stack up? It’s enjoyable, particularly given the soulful aesthetic with Abstract dropping bars over it.  🎛 boylife does a fine job producing the record. That said, it’s not game-changing or groundbreaking.  Although attributed to BROCKHAMPTON, does “The Ending” ultimately signal a Kevin Abstract solo project fulfilling one final album? The questions will be answered with the release of THE FAMILY, I suppose.

[usr 3.5]

🎙 BROCKHAMPTON • 💿 THE FAMILY • 🏷 Question Everything, Inc. / RCA • 🗓 11.19.22

[📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Question Everything, Inc., RCA]