Reading Time: 3 min read

2 out of 5 stars

Chris Brown & Tyga, Fan of a Fan: The Album © RCA/Cash MoneySometimes you should really listen to your gut. Honestly, collaborative album Fan of a Fan The Album is one of those times when saying “no” to purchasing it could’ve saved both money and a ‘cruel’ listening experience. It’s not that Chris Brown and Tyga are a horrible pairing themselves, but neither artist gives their best and the songs are “as shallow as the shallowest of ponds.” From the beginning, it’s apparent that there’s little to cling onto from a listener’s perspective.

“Westside” is predictable fare – sex to the nth degree. “I see you workin’ that baby / you need to bring your ass to the Westside,” Brown sings on the hook.

“Tonight we tryin’ to freak some / bring a friend, bring a friend, it’s a threesome.”

Eye-roll worthy by all means! “Nothin’ Like Me” follows predictably, due in part to ubiquitous, recognizable production work by DJ Mustard. Featuring a guest spot from Ty Dolla $ign, the script is similar to the opener – live it up and hook up.

“Ayo” isn’t profundity exemplified either, but it is more enjoyable than the tracks preceding it. The theme doesn’t change, with the objectification of women, flexing bank accounts, and the embracement of not giving an f about responsibility

“I’m a bougie ass n*gga left the roof at home.”

“Girl You Loud” doesn’t change much, repeating the innuendo of the aforementioned. There’s no artistic ‘range,’ with slick production serving as the selling point.

“Remember Me,” proves to be one of the better songs from Fan Of A Fan. Guess what – the concept is the same! Even so, it manages to stand out among the other club cuts, much like “Ayo” does. If the whole album disgusts, however, even “Remember Me” does little to alter the overall tenor.

“I Bet” is a trash-talking, overconfident mess to say the least. Both MCs overstep tastelessly, particularly the end of Brown’s verse where he’s frank about the female anatomy. Then throw in up 50 Cent to the mix, and things don’t improve.

Keeping depth as an afterthought, “D.G.I.F.U.” stands for don’t get it f*cked up. Is it bad – of course – but give credit to the banging production and a catchy hook. “Better” is a bit gentler in tone, yet the listener is still subjected to lyrics like “A n*gga should’ve loved you better” and “I know I f**ked up but I’m tryin’ to please you.” Even with the duo embracing toughness, “Better” could’ve been truly ‘better’ with less profanity.

“Lights Out” is luxurious in sound, but forced sexually. Again, Brown and Tyga take the sexiness away with unnecessary explicitness. Brown is the biggest culprit, coming over as nothing short of a horn dog. “Real One” is nothing new as Tyga spits,

“F*ck you in the Maybach, f*ck a room baby / I use my tongue, use your mouth, watch your tooth baby.”

Ay yi yi – get over yourselves!

Then comes penultimate number “B*tches N Marijuana” which shows all its cards within its irresponsible title. There’s only two things Brown, Tyga, and guest Schoolboy Q want – can you guess what they are? The standard edition of Fan Of A Fan Album concludes with “She Goin’ Up.” Is it the profound, depth-laden track everyone has been waiting for – Nope, not by a country mile!

Final Thoughts

Keeping it as 100 as Brown and Tyga do, this album is ‘garbage.’ It’s as if the artists ask themselves how many substandard club joints they could stick on one album and hope it would be a hit. There is no variation from the script, and hence, Fan Of A Fan The Album falls short because it’s put itself into the box of ‘you hear one song, you’ve heard them all.’ At least the club will be pleased; fans of well-rounded music not so much.

Gems: “Ayo,” “Remember Me,” and “D.G.I.F.U.”

 Chris Brown / Tyga • Fan Of A Fan The Album • RCA / Cash Money • US Release: 2.24.15
Photo Credit: RCA / Cash Money
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

1 Comment

Shawn S · September 14, 2015 at 3:46 am

Too bad the writing isn’t on par with that perfect pitch. “the songs are a shallow as the shallowest pond”? Typos aside, questioning the depth of an “artist’s” work by using such a remarkable image casts this reviewer’s authority into the shadows of scrutiny. That being said, if I cared enough to listen I’d most likely agree.

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