As we continue to venture on into this overly sexual explicit era of R&B, you gotta believe one of the people responsible for starting this is Trey Songz. The funny thing about it is, if you been following his career since day one then you know he wasn't always like this. When he debuted in 2005 he just seemed like a pretty chilled dude out of Virginia trying to make a name for himself in the industry. Thought he had back to back hits that year in "I Gotta Make It" and "Gotta Go", I got to be honest, I thought he would be another here today-gone tomorrow artist that we wouldn't hear from in the next few years. Looks like I was proved wrong huh? He would last more years and would become what he is today and that's one of R&B's biggest names. I don't really need to explain why this, his sixth album Trigga, is much anticipated release. Every one of his releases is an anticipated one in the R&B world. Now my expectations were the same expectations I have every time he releases a project. He's not someone that changes up what he does a lot so you kinda got to expect the same thing every time. His 2009 album Ready to me is his best project. From the production to the hooks to the themes and concepts. It was a masterful R&B blend of hip hop, pop and soul. I thought that Trigga overall wasn't as good, but definitely a solid album. Like I said, Trey just sticks to his usual script. Plenty of hip hop blended tracks, strong hooks, strong production (even on the slower tracks) and of course, plenty of high sexual content which he does best. He's not someone who likes to experiment with sounds or change up content so none of this is a surprise. Here's what I find unique about him and this album. As good as it is, I could honestly see a plethora of singers putting together this exact album. However, it wouldn't come off as strong as it does with Trey. He has a way of taking such simplistic sounds and turning into gold. Whether it be his way of words lyrically, his intelligence when it comes to the serious topics on the ballads, or his high level of sex appeal towards the women. It may very well be just his vocals and overall melodicism which is pretty much unrivaled at this point. Especially when it comes to those certain notes he hits that I like to jokingly call "the sheep notes". Anyway now, it's time to break down the album and what I liked/disliked. He starts the album off wasting no time with the panty wetting tracks. The song is called "Cake" and if you heard Rihanna's song of the same title, then you should already know what's going on here. I won't even get into it but let's just say this is one of many tracks on here that will get the ladies riled up. I like the pacing of the beat here too. Not too fat nor not too slow and with a nice bass drop. Great way to start the album. The first single "Na Na" is the perfect hip hop/R&B blend of every song on the album. Thanks in large part to the producer DJ Mustard who's been killing it this year. The song is jumpy enough to play at the club and dance too and at the same time it's slow enough to play at night while your laid up with "bae". It's a number of songs on here like that. The very next track, "Touchin, Lovin", I have to admit caught me by surprise. It's another multi-purpose beat but the hook is what sells it. It's a play on the hook to Biggie's "Fuck You Tonight". He does such a good job with hooks even when he's borrowing one. He makes it seems like it's his own work. Then after the success of his past hit "Bottoms Up", it was only right he again got Nicki Minaj on the track to throw a couple bars that wasn't too bad, considering how she normally is on these type of songs. Dope song. Definitely a favorite. "SmartPhones", the second single, is a very interesting song. This is the part of the album where the songs with meaning take the forefront. Listening to this, it sounds like the scenario is him getting caught cheating. He incidentally calls his girlfriend and she over hears him with another woman. He doesn't realize until it's too late and now, according to the hook, is planning on lying to her about it but doesn't know what to say. Out of fear of telling the truth basically. Sounds like a messy situation you'd see on a daytime talk show. This is why I choose to be single for now. Nonetheless, it's a relatable situation for many. Cool song. "Y.A.S. (You Ain't Shit)" is another interesting song that gave the the impression that he's kinda...attacking himself? He talks about all the wrong he does towards his girl like lying to her, ignoring her etc. and how her only response is..."you ain't shit". I guess he isn't if he's doing that. I'm sure the women will get a kick out of this but the fellas I don't know...they might not have his back on this one. I however thought it was the best ballad on here with yet again another superior hook. Now from that, we go to "Dead Wrong" where now he's lashing at the hoes (much like Chris Brown's "Loyal" track but not as hard bashing).Calling them out on their hoe-ish ways but yet he still kicks it with them. Typical. But hey this is certainly something all dudes can relate to because we've all came across one like this at least once. I could have done without Ty Dolla $ign on it though. He literally added nothing special to it at all. "Late Night" is produced by Mike Will Made It and has a heavy trap influenced sound. The hook sounds a bit inspired by the classic Three 6 Mafia song "Late Nite Tip". Which also explains the Juicy J feature on here who was alright (except for that "she should work at Lids the way she gives me cap" line. Super face palm). Cool song that will most likely end up as a single. Now for the dislikes. On an album chock full of great hooks, the one that wasn't too great to me was "Disrespectful". It just sounded kinda repetitive. The singing and chemistry between him and Mila J. was alright but the hook just kinda made it a uncomfortable listen. Now the single "Foreign" I have no problem with, I do however have a problem with the remix. First off, I don't understand why he added as part of the main album and not as a bonus track. It messes up the flow of that part of the album because it makes you feel like your hearing the same song twice. Also....Justin Bieber. Now I have no issue with him but man his verse sounded so forced and phony. Like he's trying to convince us that he's this thorough and hood now. His braggadocios/cockiness level is starting to reach Kanye West heights. Trying to sing like the guy who's song you on is a no no Justin. A big no no. Lastly, the deluxe edition bonus tracks. I honestly could have done with every single one of them. This is a problem I've had with a few albums I've listened to lately. Not one of those four songs did anything to make the album better. The thirteen track normal album is where it should stay. I don't think I even wanna hear the special edition Target bonus tracks. Well anyway, although I put Ready as his best album to date, Trigga is not far behind. This was certainly and enjoyable project and could have possibly set the bar for the rest of this year's R&B releases. I give it a final grade of a B+. It's easy to understand why Trey Songz is one of the top voices in R&B today. Some can make an argument that he is the best male singer now. Through history there have been male singers who dominated for a period of time. Marvin Gaye in the 60's/70's, Michael Jackson in the 80's, R. Kelly in the 90's, Usher in the 2000's and so one. Trey Songz could very well be the dominant one for the late 2000's/2010's (unless you ask Chris Brown fans). Regardless, he a huge name because of his talent, his catchy music and his ways with the women. He can and will "steal your girl". Protect your hoe fellas. End.
Final Grade: B+
CREDITS
Lead Artist
Tremaine Neverson
Production
David Cunningham
Kenneth Coby
Dijon McFarlane
Frank Brim
Kevin Ross
Dernst Emile
John McGee
Michael Williams
Bryan Nelson
Alvin Isaacs
Danny Klein
Matthew Campfield
Christopher Umana
Uforo Ebong
Marcos Palacios
Ernest Clark
Troy Taylor
Brandon Alexander
Collaboration
Onika Maraj
Jamila Chilombo
Tyrone Griffin
Justin Bieber
Jordan Houston
Label
Songbook/Atlantic Records
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