record REVIEWs

FUTURE

Albums: “FUTURE” and “HNDRXX”

Grade: B

Future is easily one of today’s hottest hip-hop artists. In the past two years, he’s won over a wide range of listeners with his albums, “EVOL,” “Dirty Sprite 2” and “What a Time to Be Alive,” a collaboration with Drake. With momentum on his side, Future has released two albums in a seven-day span. Both albums, a self-titled project and “HNDRXX,” display two different musical identities of the rapper-singer.

Future is known for slightly amplifying his hoarse Southern drawl with the Auto-Tune device. But no matter the album, his vocals mesh well on the bass-heavy “FUTURE” and the easy-flowing melodic sound of “HNDRXX.”

His self-titled release, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, is a well-produced offering that delves into the many harsh realities of the street life. It’s highlighted by “Mask Off,” where he explores the addiction of drugs and overcoming poverty.

But Future takes a softer approach on “HNDRXX,” speaking more about his past relationships. He shows his vulnerable side, digging deep to unveil his personal feelings. He expresses regret of pushing certain past lovers away during his pursuit for money on “Sorry.” He talks about his former girlfriends, including ex-fiance Ciara, on “My Collection,” and he teams up with Rihanna on “Selfish.”

Both albums aren’t classics compared to Future’s past releases. But he does deserve applause for his versatility as a rapper and singer, delivering two enjoyable pieces of work.

—Jonathan Landrum, Associated Press

THEY.

Album: “Nu Religion: Hyena”

Grade: B

Los Angeles-based duo THEY. call their sound grunge’n’b — a fusion of R&B and hip-hop, mixed with rock. The label might sound a little gimmicky, but what the genre-bending THEY. does on their debut album makes it an enjoyable listen.

The 14-track set of “Nu Religion: Hyena” is sonically captivating, with Drew Love — the duo’s vocalist — bragging like a rapper while singing in the tone of New Edition’s Ralph Tresvant. Love sends his tenor over foreboding piano and grungy guitar on “Deep End,” then raps alongside blazing guitar strings on “Say When.”

On the standout “Motley Crew,” he paints a picture of THEY.’s come-up: “Some might say we’re armed and dangerous/Pay the price of a life every night but it ain’t enough.”

Heads will bop during “All” and “U-RITE.” And fans of the late ’90s TV series “Dawson’s Creek” will recognize a brilliant use of Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait” on “Dante’s Creek.”

—Melanie J. Sims, Associated Press