Lil Pump, Harverd Dropout | Album Review

18-year old rapper Lil Pump delivers a sophomore album full of bangers on ‘Harverd Dropout,’ but ultimately forgets to expand his script. 

Lil Pump definitely exemplifies the characterizing label ‘polarizing.’  He exploded with his 2017 flex-fest “Gucci Gang”, and his profile has only expanded since then.  No, Pump hasn’t earned another mainstream success like “Gucci Gang,” but he has experienced no shortage of continual success with streaming.  After releasing numerous singles in 2018 initially unattached to an album, Pump’s second studio album, Harverd Dropout, arrived in February 2019.

“Drop Out”

✓ “Drop Out” commences Harverd Dropout in full-on flex mode – shocker.  Lil Pump continues to be the ultimate ‘role model’ for these kids out here (said no one ever), reaping the benefits of, well dropping out.  Even if his message is suspect, give him credit for an agile flow, and a rhythmic, synth-driven production.  Also, he does say “stay in school kids,” even if it’s totally contradictory to what he spits. Following the two-minute opener, “Nu Uh” maintains the brevity, not even quite making it to two-minutes.  There’s no substance, but Pump has a malicious backdrop behind him, and again, has a marvelous flow despite having very little to say.  Will you ultimately remember “Nu Uh?” The answer is totally, “nu uh.”

“I Love It” 

“I Love It” finds Lil Pump collaborating with Kanye West on a record that earned the distinct dishonor of being among the The 17 Worst Songs of 2018.  Even with its appearance on Harverd Dropout, “I Love It” remains an utterly ridiculous, sexually-charged, superficial offering. Pump is as shallow as ever, asserting, “You’re such a fuckin’ hoe, I love it (love it).” As for West, he at least admits, “I’m a sick fuck, I like a quick fuck (whoop!),” getting graphic about his sexual endeavors. Of course, prior to either Pump or West spitting, there’s that sexually-tinged, NSFW intro by actress/comedian Adele Givens.  The only redeeming quality about “I Love It” is the accompanying music video.  As for the song, well, it sucks.

“I don’t need you, I don’t need school / I pop beans, I don’t eat food.” Ugh! On the nearly two-and-a-half-minute “ION,” Lil Pump enlists his good bud Smokepurpp for the assist.  It’s as outlandish as any- and everything else released by both rappers.  Smokepurpp gets controversial on the first verse when he asserts, “Purpp getting money like a Jew.” Didn’t he hear that Jay-Z got in a bit of heat for his Jewish rhymes on “The Story of O.J.”? “Fasho Fasho,” featuring Offset feels like the first full-length record, just missing the three-minute mark.  Like the four songs that precede it, the production bangs, while the rhymes lack any meaning whatsoever.  It is what it is. 

“Racks on Racks” 

Lil Pump has intense production to fuel his fire on “Racks on Racks”.  This includes rhythmic ‘string-like’ synths, and a hard, anchoring beat.  The inspiration is certainly there, even if Pump doesn’t offer much any profundity – who’s surprised? Regardless, he has a respectable flow, which makes “Racks on Racks” moderately interesting if nothing else.  Money is cliché AF in rap and hip-hop, so, making it memorable or brand-new would require some truly elite skills. Pump doesn’t possess such. Follow-up “Off White” doesn’t mark a rank-up in regard to innovative or memorable ideas. It’s pretty much more of the same – repetitive, chocked-full of ad-libs, providing merely a temporary buzz.

There are some pros regarding “Butterfly Doors”. First and foremost, it’s brief. Another “W” for Lil Pump is the minor-key, minimalist production work.  Pump works with a sleek beat and a sketchy, seedy-sounding synth.  Once more, his flow is appealing overall.  But again, there’s a difference between the flow itself, and the bars he’s spitting.  As agile and quick-paced as the rhymes are, those rhymes are basic AF – nothing transcendent to be found.  He references. hustling, guns, money, Lamborghini, etc. Making things even worse is Pump gets controversial, thanks to a tasteless reference to Asians on the chorus: “They call me Yao [Ming] ‘cause my eyes real low.”  WTF was he thinking?

“Too Much Ice”

Can another feature with a Migos member strengthen his cause? Eh, depends on your expectations. “Too Much Ice” featuring Quavo checks off all the boxes in regard to its ‘banger status.’ That said, Pump has yet to move beyond the surface level nine tracks into Harverd Dropout.  The vibe is a pro, and there is a charm about Pump’s boisterous, often profane ad-libs. Lil Uzi Vert joins the flex-fest on the sleek ✓ “Multi Millionaire”. The production shines – wacky synths, and an aggressive, anchoring beat. After dropping a simple hook, on the first verse, he raps about sex, drugs (cocaine, Mollies, Actavis), and money.  On the second, he hands the keys over to Lil Uzi Vert, who doesn’t exactly ‘broaden the horizons.’  “I fucked you lil bitch, took her right out in London” serves as a prime example of the subject matter gracing the record.  Still, “Multi Millionaire” is one of the better moments from Harverd Dropout.

“Vroom Vroom Vroom” obviously ISN’T one of the better moments – rather one of the stupidest and most embarrassing. After a number of shorter songs, Lil Pump opts for lengthier records. As narcissistic as ✓ “Be Like Me” is (featuring Lil Wayne), it’s entertaining. In this case, the length may actually ‘force the issue’ you might say. Again, production is both rappers’ best friend, while the overconfidence is actually part of the charm.  Keeping things totally unrefined, ✓ “Stripper Name,” featuring YG and 2 Chainz, goes dumb, yet also ‘earns its stripes’ as one of the more memorable moments from Harverd Dropout.  This definitely isn’t an anthem for feminists… just saying.

“Drug Addicts”

“I been smokin’ since I was eleven / I been poppin’ pills since I was seven.” Ugh, ugh, ugh!  What does one make of the Lil Pump’s ‘junkie’ “Drug Addicts”? Obviously, being addicted to drugs is bad, and definitely shouldn’t be glorified – it can potentially ruin anyone’s life.  Unfortunately, no one sent that memo to the totally inept teen rapper, who seems to be glorifying his personal drug use from a young age.  There’s nothing wrong with the production that graces “Drug Addicts” or his flow, but the bars and subject matter sink it.  Not even a Charlie Sheen music video can keep this off the worst songs of 2018.

Speaking of worst songs, what about “Esskeetit”? Ugh! “Esskeetit” attempts to replicate the successful script of “Gucci Gang” with no such luck. Generally, Lil Pump, like most of the SoundCloud rappers, never seems to get out of his box.  There’s not really any progression, just contentment living on the surface level.  “Esskeetit” exemplifies superficial.  He builds the hook off of clichés including ultra-lux clothes, Xanax, cars, and women. This is a prime example of recycling as opposed to expanding his game.  He closes things out with the 16^th track and 16^th banger, “Who Dat.” That’s about the size of it.  

Final Thoughts

So, how does Harverd Dropout stack up? If you’re fine with superficial bangers and no substance whatsoever, then Harverd Dropout will either tickle your fancy, or simply won’t offend. Likely young rap enthusiasts will be onboard with this 40-minute Lil Pump effort.  As for everyone else, the biggest rub about Harverd Dropout is that it is devoid of depth.  Pump has potential, but he’s too fixated on clichés as opposed to carving his own, distinct niche.

✓ Gems: “Drop Out,” “Multi Millionaire,” “Be Like Me” & “Stripper Name”

Lil Pump • Harverd Dropout • Warner Bros. • Release: 2.22.19

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.