The estate of the late Chicago-born rapper and singer-songwriter Juice WLRD, who was known for transcending the genres of 21st-century rap and hip-hop, posthumously released his long-awaited fifth and final studio album, “The Party Never Ends” on Nov. 29. It marks a triumphantly bittersweet end to a successful five-year career in the music industry.
“The Party Never Ends” blends elements of hip-hop, trap, pop and emo rap, showcasing the artist’s unique takes on the genres. The album also features guest appearances from renowned artists such as Benny Blanco, Eminem, Nicki Minaj and the Kid Laroi. The album is the third in a trilogy of recordings released after the artist’s sudden passing in 2019, preceding 2020’s “Legends Never Die” and 2021’s “Fighting Demons.”
The title of the album is fitting and almost poignant for a final album, especially one by a musician whose career and work have left a powerful impact on his many fans, with over 21 million records sold worldwide. However, this album is distinctive not only in that it marks a touching final tribute to an influential and inspirational career, but it also highlights some of the artist’s past struggles and life experiences on a much deeper and more personal level, especially the ones that took place during the height of his fame.
In the second track of the album, “Misfit,” Juice WRLD discusses his desperate desire to “fit in” and highlights his struggles with drugs and alcohol. In the single “AGATS2 (Insecure)” featuring Nicki Minaj, he expresses his sorrow and frustration in maintaining his relationships with women and sings about the steps he takes to self-medicate in order to numb his ongoing pain. The lyrics “And your insecurities / Will get the best of me” highlight the immense difficulties he faces while trying to maintain a meaningful connection with his partner.
Drug use and relationships have been a prominent theme in many of Juice WRLD’s previous songs, but something about “AGATS2 (Insecure)” on his last ever album remains poignant. Perhaps it is because he is reflecting back on the fact that, throughout the entirety of his adult life, he tried desperately to conform to the status quo but was prevented from doing so due to his personal wants and desires, most of which were taboo. Even as a successful world-famous musician with a strong fanbase, Juice WRLD’s outlook on life often remained bleak, and this is the same in “The Party Never Ends.”
But it’s not the ongoing dark themes present in many of his songs that have caused “The Party Never Ends” to attract criticism. In a review published by British music and fashion magazine Clash, it’s the length of the album that has some critics giving negative reviews. It reads, “At 18 tracks it’s both exhaustive and exhausting, a record that sometimes lacks a cohesive identity.” Other sources have accused Juice WRLD’s estate of releasing the album merely to capitalize off his legacy.
But despite the gloomy subject matter of Juice WRLD’s music and the criticism his latest work has received, there is no doubt that his legacy has and will continue to shape the rap and hip-hop landscape and leave an impact on fans for decades to come.
Rating: 4/5