In a scene currently dominated by self-deprecation and hedonism, Lil Yachty (real name Miles McCollum) has finally delivered his long awaited debut album, Teenage Emotions.
The title lays the foundation for what this project entails. Teenage Emotions is Yachty putting his heart on his sleeve for the entire world to either enjoy wholeheartedly or hate undeniably.
The cover in itself is a pitch perfect representation of Yachty and Teenage Emotions. It represents being comfortable and proud with yourself regardless of what society would deem acceptable. Yachty being at the center of these movie theater seats is almost like an invitation to those who have felt shunned by society. “Come join me and watch the show."
Teenage Emotions opens up with a monologue from Darnell Boat. Amongst Yachty’s universe, Darnell is the uncle father-figure to Yachty and his cousin, Lil Boat. Boat is the aggressive, flamboyant foil to the emotional, soft-spoken Yachty . “Yachty and boat have been working so hard over this past year and we just want to welcome y'all to Teenage Emotions," confides Darnell in the opening track “Like a Star."
They sure have a lot to say. Intermingling personal, auto-tune drenched tracks like “Momma," “Like a Star,” and “Better” with loud, in-your-face bangers like “DN Freestyle” and “Peek A Boo," Teenage Emotions is the literal emotional roller coaster running through the minds of the growing adolescence.
The rebellious nature reflected across the song “X Men” with rhymes like “You talk to me crazy, I'm checkin' you (grrr)/I really feel broke standin' next to you (what)/You don't have a place in my heart, bro (nope)/I saw what you drive, it's a cart, bro (what)” is the polar opposite to the vulnerable “Made of Glass” love song. On it, Yachty sings “Am I made up of glass? Do you see straight through me?/Do you not want to be what we once talked about?/I'm losing it, I'm losing it for you”. In a complete 180, Yachty keeps Boat’s grandeur in check by exposing his fear of losing this girl he once loved. Love trumps his boisterous persona.
It is moments like these that strike home with any growing teenager. On the outside, you put on this unemotional, braggadocious facade but deep down, you are vulnerable just trying to look for love and affection from those you care about.
Whether you love or hate Lil Yachty, his ability to connect with the growing youth is undeniable. Teenage Emotions, although not a perfect album, does its job at representing the unpredictable nature of youth. It is a loud, colorful, raw voice for those who have a lot to say but are afraid to say it. It is a call for those to let their voices be heard regardless of being accepted or not.