Lil Nas X, 7 (EP) | Album Review

The ‘hard-to-categorize’ Lil Nas X releases his debut EP, 7 which has its fair share of enjoyable moments, if ultimately, under-developed. 

Cutting straight to the chase, the first thing that comes to mind when the name Lil Nas X is mentioned is “Old Town Road.” “Old Town Road” is a big-time, Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 hit, though not devoid of a fair share of controversy.  Nonetheless, this brief joint, in original and remixed forms has set up the hard-to-categorize artist for success, hence the release of the 19-minute, eight-song EP, 7.  The results are enjoyable enough but don’t call 7 (EP) the second coming by any means.

“Old Town Road”

“Yeah, I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road / I’m gonna ride ‘til it can’t go no more.” Fittingly, 7 commences with ✓ “Old Town Road (Remix)” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. The brief, countrified/melodic hip-hop/trap record serves as the ‘ace-in-the-hole’ for Lil Nas X.  Also, worth noting, the original, even shorter version sans Cyrus appears as the eighth and final track on the EP.

“Old Town Road” is quite charming for a variety of reason including lyrics that play off of clichés associated with country music. On the second verse, Lil Nas X kicks things off pop-rapping, “Ridin’ on a tractor” and later adds, “Bull ridin’ and boobies / Cowboy hat from Gucci / Wrangler on my booty.” ‘Furthermore, the hip-hop beat, coupled with ‘country-folk’ guitars, fueled by a prominent Nine Inch Nails sample (“34 Ghosts IV”), add to the sheer excellence.  A novel cut by all means that lacks substance, “Old Town Road” is nonetheless infectious.

“Panini”

“Ayy, Panini, don’t you be a meanie / Thought you wanted me to go up / Why you tryna keep me teeny?” Following up “Old Town Road” is definitely a gargantuan task for Lil Nas X.  He strikes gold on the brief, equally melodic ✓ “Panini” which references the Cartoon Network TV series Chowder.  “Panini” is a success because it’s also ‘novel’ like “Old Town Road” if slightly less pronounced.  Also, adding to excellence, is a hella catchy chorus: “Just say to me what you want from me.” Of course, Nirvana (“In Bloom”) deserves a shout out, if you catch my drift. Depth isn’t the M.O., but did anyone expect depth?

“F9mily (You & Me)” provides a stylistic shift from melodic hip-hop to rap-rock and pop-punk.  Arguably, this is an ‘about-face’, yet at the same time, because Lil Nas X is hard to label it’s not totally far-fetched.  Travis Barker handles production duties, with respectable results overall.  As for the song itself, it’s okay, but it doesn’t pack a sizable punch by any means.  “Kick It” follows, returning to the more melodic rap sound (“Panini”).  Like everything else gracing 7, the sound and vibe are selling points. Furthermore, you can even argue that overall, a melodic rap sound best fits Nas X.  The song itself is also enjoyable, but it isn’t game changing – it doesn’t move the needle.  The chorus is worthwhile though.

“…See if you want it, Nas, I got it, nigga, we should go and kick it
See you on the move, but we was cool, now don’t forget it
Oh come, get weed from me
It’s good.”

“Rodeo” 

✓ “Rodeo” revisits the countrified sensibilities of “Old Town Road” five tracks into 7, produced by Take A Daytrip.  While “Old Town Road” is what propelled Lil Nas X with its country leanings, it’s actually best that producers don’t overplay their hand with the novel sound.  Once again, Nas X’s ‘bread is buttered’ with his melodic approach, particularly shining on the first verse.  That said, the chorus shimmers, giving off some Kid Cudi vibes (“Oh, here we go, please let me know / Oh, ‘fore you go, don’t leave me in the cold”).  Also, did we fail to mention that Cardi B guests on the second verse? The thing is, it’s a brief feature and certainly not the best verse the Grammy-winning rapper has delivered.  Still, it breaks up any sense of monotony on 7.

“Bring U Down” brings in producers Ryan Tedder and Zach Skelton.  Once again, the style shifts, this time a mix of pop/rock.  The results are definitely interesting – intriguing to say the least.  Again, the mindset seems to be that vibe supersedes songwriting.  Penultimate joint “C7osure (You Like)” continues to ‘ride the waves’ where the sound and sensibilities of the record carries it.  This time, Boi-1da and Allen Ritter craft the soundscape with which Nas X paints upon.

Final Thoughts

So, what does one make of 7 by Lil Nas X? The rapper/singer certainly possesses potential. That said, the next step in his development as an artist is to actually develop songs. The biggest rub about 7 is that the material is so brief and sometimes so novel that it lacks development to transcend beyond its novel status.  7 is worth checking out, but after listening, one hopes Nas X will work to fully establish his artistry and artistic identity.

✓ Gems: “Old Town Road (Remix),” “Panini,” “Rodeo” & “Old Town Road” 

Lil Nas X • 7 (EP) • Columbia • Release: 6.21.19

Photo Credit: Columbia