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Up and coming rapper Post Malone returns with single “Congratulations” ahead of the release of debut album, Stoney.  Quavo assists.  

It’s been a while since we heard a new single from Post Malone.  With the announcement of his debut album, Stoney, Malone drops a new single, “Congratulations.” He brings along rapper Quavo for the congratulatory ride.

“Congratulations” sounds faded from the start. It is well-produced, featuring hard, anchoring drum programming, lush pads, and rhythmic synths.  Post Malone handles the hook himself. It isn’t the catchiest of the year, but it grows on you with successive iterations. It’s lush, slow, and sung as opposed to rapping:

“My mama called, seen you on TV / said some shit done changed / ever since we was on / I dreamed it all / ever since I was young / they said I wouldn’t be nothing / now they always say congratulations / worked so hard, forgot how to vacation / they ain’t never had the dedication / people hatin’, say we changed and look we made it / yeah, we made it.”

Quavo pop raps his verse initially, then goes to straight rap (until near the end). His verse is a nice contrast to the performance by Post Malone. The track is about Post Malone making it despite being told he wouldn’t.  In other words, “Congratulation” is about his come-up.  

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Congratulations” is a respectable record. It’s not the second coming.  It doesn’t necessarily supplant earlier singles “Deja vu” or “White Iverson.” Sound, but not a game changer.

Post Malone • Stoney • Republic • Release: 12.9.16  

Photo Credit: Republic