Migos: for the Culture on “Culture II”

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On Jan. 27 2017, hip-hop trio Migos released their second studio album Culture. Though it has only been certified as platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, the vast majority have all listened to at least one track: the album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, likely due to the success of single “Bad and Boujee.”

Since the viral success of Culture, Migos members Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff have been working hard in the studio: each member is featured separately on Calvin Harris’ Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, which was released last June; and were heavily involved in the compilation album Quality Control: Control the Streets Volume 1, working alongside other talents including Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott and Young Thug.

One year after Culture, Migos is back and better than ever with Culture II. Nearly doubling the length of their last album, Culture II features 24 tracks packed with impressive features from artists such as Drake, Gucci Mane, Post Malone, and Big Sean.

The length of the album is not the only noteworthy change: though Migos have maintained elements of their trap sound, their production has noticeably improved: Zaytoven, Kanye West, Murda Beatz and Metro Boomin are all cited as producers on different tracks. This time around, though, Quavo is listed in both the writing and production credits.

“Too Playa” featuring 2 Chainz combines a trap beat with jazz-inspired saxophone in its introduction. The smooth jazz instrumentation throughout the song contributes to the album’s overall theme of pride and not-so-humble bragging about Migos’ accomplishments.

Single release “Stir Fry,” followed by a music video debut on Jan. 29, is produced by Pharrell Williams. The beat complements Migos’ vocals with whistling and more bouncing, drum-like beats rather than their usual bass-heavy trap, allowing fans to focus on clever lyrics like “Life’s Monopoly, go cop me some land and some property” and the signature Migos ad-libs.

Culture II offers something for everyone: skeptics and fans that were hoping for growth had their wishes granted with better quality production while trap enthusiasts can enjoy more Culture-esque tracks (“Emoji a Chain,” “Flooded”). As hip-hop continues to dominate the charts, Migos is at the forefront of shaping the “culture.”

Listen to Culture II on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music.