Up-and-coming “Panda” rapper Desiigner returns with ferocious if shallow rhymes on his new single, “Outlet.”  

Desiigner ascended to fame quickly.  Simply put, “Panda” was kind of a big deal – no. 1, Grammy-nominated kind of a big deal.  Following “Panda,” the teen rapper’s second single, “Tiimmy Turner” also earned respectable buzz.  Still young, approaching an old 20 years of age, the up-and-coming rapper drops a new single, “Outlet.”

“Outlet” begins nebulously.  Until the trap drums enter, there’s little stability.  Once the beat drops, Desiigner begins the expected flex-fest, which is all over the place.  A groove anchors things down, but the MC is clearly extraterrestrial.

“Got that Ruger on me, jeweler on me / Mula on me, who the homie / You be talking shit, got that boss b*tch / Boss b*tch, hold on, I crashed the whip.”

Safe to say, the kid raps ferociously. He continues on, bragging about shallow topics including “that new money,” “More bottles, more bitches, more gold,” and “Whip that glass ‘til the pot break.” Depth isn’t the M.O., but it’s hard to deny the passion.  Ultimately, “Outlet” is a gimmicky experience lyrically and musically.  It is difficult to envision it being a hit, particularly compared to “Panda.” That said, fans will love the energy, passion, and the hard-hitting production work. Notably, a switch-up at the end fits the manic nature of “Outlet,” beginning on the lyric, “Ball out champion, fall out champion.”

Final Thoughts

If nothing else, “Outlet” is an interesting record. It will appeal to Desiigner fans undoubtedly.  As for everyone else, the jury is still out on the teen rapper.  There’s something there, but deciphering through such a shallow pool still leaves question marks.

Desiigner • Outlet – single • Def Jam • Release: 2.10.17 

Photo Credit: Def Jam