Three years removed from their debut album Based Boys, The Pack (Young L, Lil Uno, Lil B and Stunnaman) are back with their sophomore effort Wolfpack Party. As expected, the new project continues their musical hybrid style of Hyphy/Dance mixed with Rock and Rap tendencies.
While Lil B may be the group’s most recognizable member thanks to his latest string of “based” freestyles, Young L steals the spotlight on Wolfpack Party with his favorably crafted beats that immediately enhance the lyrical side of the album. A great example of this comes on “Bend That Corner,” where lukewarm lyrics transform into grimy, authoritative rhymes thanks to the track’s monstrous backdrop. Stepping up the tempo, the production for “Dance Floor” fits the title perfectly as 808 drums and bass line breaks combined for a bona fide club banger. Young L also pays homage to booty bass records straight out of South Beach with “80’s Baby,” a formidable impression that channels 2 Live Crew circa 1989.
Underneath their braggadocios exterior, The Pack make room for a few tracks involving the four letter word. Over a sample of Boston’s “Peace Of Mind,” the group stakes their claim on “One U Need” propelled by Auto-Tune raps and a playful demeanor. On a more somber note, “Super Man” finds the whole crew showing a hint of humility for their significant other. Proving he’s a dedicated man, Lil Uno raps, “Like Kanye West, that nigga act heartless / And with your feelings, that nigga act careless / You kept to yourself and closed like a shellfish / Well baby I’m your Super Man, and I’m here to help you” while Lil B bluntly admits, “I’ll tell you the truth / I couldn’t picture another dude with you.”
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Still, not much has changed since Based Boys as limited subject matter clouds any real sense of creative expansion in the last three years. Smooth production goes to waste on “Sex On The Beach”
, where their lyrical delivery sounds like a Lonely Island record gone wrong. Interestingly, the fact that this track was not created for comical purposes makes it even worse. Souring tracks “Drunk Off Money” and “Red Light” continue to highlight the group’s poor lyrical skills while “Make Me Cum” is just as classy as the title. The concept behind “ET” starts off alright, however, the overall execution falls flat as the group attempts to relay scenarios of stealing girls at the club. Recklessly, The Pack ends their album with the unwarranted track “Titties.” While their infatuation for breasts stays nauseatingly honest, saving this for their “Worst Of” compilation would have made more sense.
While Wolfpack Party is only their second full-length album, at this point it’s safe to say that The Pack have become a novelty act suited strictly for the young and carefree. With genuine zeal and brimming full of charisma and energy, not to mention hormones, they fit this category nicely. Having said that, at some point down the road The Pack will inevitably face the task of modifying their musical direction or risk being phased out of the industry. To be fair, The Pack would likely respond with their hook from “Worried Bout Mine”:
“Why these niggas worried about mine / Can’t you see I’m tryin’ to shine? / Everything I got is mine / Understand it’s my time.”
How long will that last? Only time will tell.
