Laila! is an 18 year old rapper, singer/songwriter & producer from New York who happens to be the daughter of Yasiin Bey formerly known as Mos Def. Even though she released her debut EP In CTRL! almost 6 months ago, I myself was introduced to her artistry only a few weeks ago when she had one of the best features on the single “Problem!” off of Cash Cobain’s latest mixtape Play Cash Cobain. Her full-length debut studio album here further caught my attention after learning that she would be self-producing the entire thing.
“Talent Show” is a stripped-back 5 minute opener drawing inspiration from SZA singing about feeling that her mind is being misused & a love with no more appeal whereas “Sink 2 Rise” spaciously melodically discusses feeling lonely as of late pointing out one has to sink first in order for them to rise. “R U Down?” works in some synths asking her man if he’s really down with her or not just before the funky “If U Don’t Know By Now” making everyone find out if they ain’t hip.
Moving on from there, “Want 2” hooks the synths back up coming clean that she made the beat for her love interest telling him she’s the type of shawty he’s looking for while “Sani (Homework Freestyle)” goes off-the top for 40 seconds flexing she’s harder than the bitches who think she’s soft. “Like That!” blends alternative R&B with cloud & pop rap wanting to love each other so badly leading into “Grand Opening” hopping over more synths cautioning her heart’s expensive to break.
“Blackberry (Date 4 Prom)” psychedelically ends the first half of Gap Year! by admitting she doesn’t know what she wants with the whole world in her hands & after the “Mama Nelly” skit, “Could Be” moodily sings to a romantic interest that even he knows how things could turn out if they were together. “If You’re Listening” harmoniously apologies to someone she never meant to hurt while “We’re So Over! gets in her breakup bag.
Meanwhile on “IDONTNEEDUANYMORE”, we have Laila! atmospherically telling her ex she’s over him at this point while “Not My Problem” fuses jerk rap & alternative R&B further elaborating why she can’t confide in him. The penultimate track “Flyer Than U” nears the conclusion of her first LP asking if she deserves better when she certainly does & “Coupé DeVille” closes up shop talking about taking her new man to the hills.
Her feature on the new Cash Cobain tape isn’t the best gateway to Laila!’s music since literally everything she did on Gap Year! proves how much of a stronger performer & songwriter she is than the sample drill pioneer himself. Her production balances alternative R&B, neo-soul, pop rap, neo-psychedelia, synth-funk, bedroom pop & jerknb exceptionally during the 44 minute course demonstrating her versatility whether it be as a singer or a rapper.
Score: 4/5
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