Celebrity
Quavo Releases ‘Rocket Power,’ His 1st Solo Album Since Migos Bandmate Takeoff’s Death
(LOS ANGELES) – “Rocket Power,” Quavo’s second solo album, is a colorful and emotional homage to his late bandmate and nephew Takeoff.
It’s Quavo’s first full-length album since Takeoff was killed outside a private party at a downtown Houston bowling alley in 2022. The two collaborate on the songs “Patty Cake” and “Back Where It Begins,” published on Friday. Future is also featured in the latter.
Young Thug, Babydrill, and Hunxho also appear in “Rocket Power.”
Many of the songs are homages to Takeoff. Quavo raps on “Patty Cake,” “Me and Take pop up like a date / ‘Cause we go together anyway / Unc’ and ‘phew stickin’ like glue / It’s some dogs runnin’ loose.”
Without the third Migos member Offset, Quavo and Takeoff released a collaboration album in 2022 under the moniker Unc & Phew, reflecting their tight familial ties. The title was “Only Built for Infinity Links.”
On the track “Hotel Lobby,” Takeoff rapped about his uncle Quavo, saying, “I call him twin ’cause that’s my brother.”
That intimacy pervades “Rocket Power,” and the second half of the title tune may be the most moving of all. The trap production is dropped in the final verse, giving room for a quiet balladic moment. “Mama, I can’t sleep / I lost my bro, aw, this is just a dream / Eternal nightmares / I don’t know how we got here / I wan’ go far, but I don’t know where,” Quavo sings. “But when I depart, I ain’t got no fear / I bet my nephew gon’ be right there / I saw my niece and nephew crying tears / I told ’em, “Wipe your eyes, ’cause unc’ here.”
“Rocket Power,” Quavo’s second solo album, is a colorful and emotional homage to his late bandmate and nephew Takeoff.
It’s a powerful meditation on mourning, combining depression, denial, and acceptance in seconds. The emotionality is heightened for listeners because this is the first time Quavo has been in the studio since losing a family member and his closest collaborator.
But is it a Quavo release if it doesn’t conclude on a positive note? The closer “Greatness” is a horn-driven celebration. “This how legends was born / Greatness / I couldn’t do it without the greatest group in the world / Hmm, greatness / I couldn’t do it without the greatest nephew in the world,” he raps.
“Rocket Power” was supposed to be published two weeks ago, but it was postponed because Quavo needed to “run some more tests before the rocket is ready to launch,” he stated on Instagram.
“Rocket Power,” Quavo’s second solo album, is a colorful and emotional homage to his late bandmate and nephew Takeoff.
Before its release, little was known about the album. He announced “Rocket Power” on Instagram in late May, stating, “This album is for the Rocket, our true fans, and also this is my therapy.” This CD is a true reflection of how I am now feeling. Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes sad, sometimes disappointed, and occasionally I break apart, but I ALWAYS regain my strength.”
Takeoff’s final solo album, released in 2018, was named “The Last Rocket.”
“Rocket Power” follows Quavo’s solo debut album, “Quavo Huncho,” released in 2018.
At the 2023 BET Awards in June, Quavo and Migos’ Offset made their first significant public appearance since Takeoff’s death. While performing their biggest song, “Bad and Boujee,” the duo exclaimed, “BET, do it for Take,” near the beginning of their set, as their backdrop changed from a space shuttle to Takeoff pointing in the air.
SOURCE – (AP)