Notes

NAV "Reckless" REVIEW

It's easy to get caught up in the fanfare of modern trap conventions, blinded by the braggadocio approaches of the latest rap stars - yet, on his latest full-length EP, NAV proposes a respite from the glamour with "Reckless", an empowering odyssey of smooth, sultry R&B and off-the-wall soundscapes. A couple notches sleeker and maturer than "Without Warning" (his dangerously addictive 2017 project with Metro Boomin'), his sophomore album is an intriguing and often moving collection of thinkpieces, seperated by bold lyricisms, but ultimately tied together by his signature experimental hip-hop production.

Propped up by "Reckless Intro", we're given an early example into NAV's breathtaking creative vision - an ethereal synth wobbles between gentle space-age sound effects, complimented by NAV's paternal retrospect. "I know how to kill these rappers with no gun" is a moving call for unity, a humble plea for peace in a world caught up with the trivialities of finance and flair; from this 2 minute take alone, we're already aware of one thing - this is the album where NAV truly changes the game.

Nostalgia is a recurring theme on "Reckless" - tracks like "Never Change" show the pensmith at his most vulnerable - "I'm getting older. / I'm scared. / I don't want the rock lifestyle to end." being a particularly emotive moment - while "Freshman List" is a strikingly confrontational speech from the Canadian - "don't try to come around me / If you wasn't here before" presenting his new-found maturity - NAV is a man with his head in the right place, diving head-first into what is surely the beginning of a golden streak of records from him.

Despite his veer towards a more off-kilter style, however, he proves he still knows his way around a hook - "With Me" strikes a chord as a pungently infectious trap banger, with darker and eerier undertones: making for a listen with glorious, meticulous depth. His Lil Uzi Vert collab, "Wanted You", is an elegantly grandiose summary of NAV's artistry. The beat is rich with a smooth piano and ambient flecks littered throughout, while the dynamic duo philosophise over legacy, love, and lore.

The closing track, "What I Need / Daheala Outro", is a 5 minute adventure that acts as a triumphant and deserved victory lap for the Toronto starlet - it's haunting, stylistically perfect (we need not speak about the intense and cowering bass), and is a true cherry on top of what is an absolutely faultless effort from NAV. "Reckless" is arguably one of the most revolutionary records of this decade, an album so incredibly grounded - yet ground-breaking - in its presentation, that it's pretty impossible to NOT love it.

A listen isn't just recommended but highly necessary - bring a box of tissues, though, as it's not just artistically stunning; but presents NAV as an utterly genius, endearing and troubled character with a commendable grip on music. The future is his, the baton has been passed to him, and we should be honoured to live in an age where he's releasing such impeccable and mind-bendingly faultless music.

10/10