Pop rap sensation Post Malone returns with a new single, “Rockstar,” featuring 21 Savage.  Ultimately, the results are merely okay at best. 

Give Post Malone credit.  The pop-rapper had an awesome run with his debut album, Stoney.  Because of his success, rightfully, he has to be thinking, “It if ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  That’s sort of the way his new single, “Rockstar,” comes off.  Post doesn’t go it alone – he’s assisted by 21 Savage for the ride.  The results? Meh. Read on.

“Rockstar” has its fair share of pros.  The production is among them, sporting moody vibes from the onset.  The anchoring drum programming is slick, as expected from hip-hop. As for Post Malone, he sings in his signature pop-rap style. His rhymes are agile, while he exhibits a respectable flow.  His style certainly isn’t for everybody, but he does pop-rap itself respectably. 21 Savage provides a nice contrast to Post’s more exuberant, emotional style.  As previously discussed, 21 Savage certainly isn’t the most ‘excitable’ rapper in the game.

There are rubs.  While “Rockstar” checks off boxes, it’s not anything particularly notable.  Yes, Post Malone has the flow and swag, but do his bars offer anything game changing or revolutionary? No.  The production is good, BUT, is it anything we haven’t heard from him before or his colleagues.  Again, the answer is no. If we listen to Stoney, we’ll hear plenty of production work like “Rockstar.”  Therefore, Malone really hasn’t evolved artistically.  That’s the biggest con.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Rockstar” is enjoyable, but not transcendent.  Post Malone doesn’t cover new ground.  Listening to this one, there’s just not much that personally draws me back.  Perhaps you have to be a Post fan, but, there’s just not much to get thrilled about here.

Post Malone • Rockstar – Single • Republic • Release: 9.15.17

Photo Credit: Republic